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Bill Belichick weighs in on Illinois’ decision to hire Bret Bielema

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Illinois recently tabbed Bret Bielema as the next head coach of the Illini, making the decision during Champions Week around the B1G.

Since that time, Bielema has begun constructing his coaching staff. Most recently, Tony Petersen was added as offensive coordinator and Bart Miller was added as offensive line coach.

On Wednesday, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick commented on the hiring of Bielema to coach the Illini. Bielema spent two seasons as a part of Belichick’s staff in New England after being let go of his head coaching job at Arkansas.

Here is what Belichick had to say about the hiring:

Bielema was largely successful during his stint at Wisconsin, leading the Badgers to three straight B1G Championships from 2010-12. Unfortunately, he did not see similar success at Arkansas, posting a 29-34 mark with the Razorbacks.

Hopefully Bielema has learned from his past successes – and failures – and can put together a winning formula for Illinois.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.