The University of Illinois has confirmed that Illini football head coach Bret Bielema has tested positive for COVID-19. He will not be coaching in Saturday’s game on Saturday against Iowa.

Both Illinois and Bielema released statements on the situation:

According to Bielema he was fully vaccinated and had received a booster shot while the team was off during the bye-week.

The Illini enter the final two weeks of the season with a 4-6 record. They will need to win both remaining games to reach the magic number of six wins to become bowl eligible.

Bielema reported on Monday that the team was 100 percent vaccinated and that measures were taken to keep contact at a minimum. In-person interviews have been shut down for the remainder of the season. Bielema was out on the recruiting trail during the bye week and upon returning to campus on Saturday he was tested for COVID-19.

The Illini head to Iowa City to take on No. 19 Iowa on Saturday, and assistant head coach/wide receivers coach George McDonald will act as the head coach. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.