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Bret Bielema, Illinois athletics announce passing of coach’s mother
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Bret Bielema will be leading his team with a heavy heart this week.
On Thursday, Illinois athletics announced the passing of Marilyn, Bielema’s mother. Bielema’s Thursday media availability was canceled while he deals with the news, and the Illini athletics department has asked for privacy for the family.
“Coach Bielema is going through a difficult personal matter,” the Illinois statement read. “Early this morning he received a call that his mother had passed. Please be respectful of his family’s privacy at this time.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to coach Bielema and his family during this time.
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.