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What Bret Bielema said at his introductory press conference as Illinois head coach
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It’s been a few days now since Illinois shocked the college football world and brought in Bret Bielema as head coach.
The former Wisconsin and Arkansas leading man was part of the New York Giants staff before making his way to Champaign.
The decision has been official for a few days now. But on Monday, we saw Bielema put on his orange and blue tie and addressed the media for the first time. It’s the second time we’ve seen him since taking over the position. He was in attendance at Saturday’s game against Penn State.
#illini coach Bret Bielema: I couldn't be more excited to be the head coach at the University of Illinois. It really has come full circle. pic.twitter.com/Ly0raTyxUU
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
Bielema held this press conference despite his parents not able to attend.
#illini coach Bret Bielema gets emotional talking about his parents and thanks them for raising him the right way.
Couldn't be here today due to COVID.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
In the midst of discussing his decision to head to Champaign, Bielema broke down Illinois’ facilities and his initial discussions with the team.
#illini coach Bret Bielema: What got me excited about the University of Illinois now is the foundation and blue print that are here already. Mentions facilities.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
#illini Bret Bielema had team meeting without any cameras. That was between me and them and then broke up meetings with seniors and potential NFL prospects.
"It was a really rewarding day."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
#illini Bret Bielema is meeting with all the current staff members now.
"The opportunity that is in front of us now is a tremendous challenge and one we're excited about."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
Of course, Bielema had to include a reference to the I-L-L, I-N-I chant.
#illini coach Bret Bielema gets emotional again telling a story about teaching daughter ILL-INI chat.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
#illini Bret Bielema: I can't wait to walk down the street and see the fans and give an ILL-INI chant.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
Bielema is tasked with taking over for Lovie Smith. Folks in Champaign seemed to think Smith was on the right track but could not put it all together.
https://twitter.com/schuttecfb/status/1341101235538169856?s=21
https://twitter.com/schuttecfb/status/1341101597745680389?s=21
#illini Bret Bielema: The root of good football is simple. We'll build a roster of smart, tough, dependable players. The overall goal is to build a developmental roster.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
#illini Bret Bielema: Said he's learned a lot about how to be more even-keeled from professional coaches.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
In building a a strong roster, Bielema will be recruiting in a state that has been poached time after time by outstate coaches.
#illini Bret Bielema: "I think I'll always be confident. I don't mind walking into a room and letting people know it."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
#illini Bret Bielema: We all grow. I thought I was Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, Bill Belichick, all wrapped up into one. I was feeling my oats a little bit.
I have gained perspective through 25 years in this profession.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1341103323752116227?s=20
#illini Bret Bielema: Immediately had coaches and players reach out to him to "transition to Illinois" but wanted to talk to current players and staff now. Will reach out to recent signees this week.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
Excited to get started, @BretBielema.
Watch Live: https://t.co/mI0j7WHx5u#Illini | #JointheFight pic.twitter.com/LvpW1J0e72
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) December 21, 2020
This week’s news marks Bielema’s return to the Big 10 following his stint as the leading man in Madison.
#illini Bret Bielema on how he's grown since last in the Big Ten: "Unfortunately, I've physically grown. I have to take care of that."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 21, 2020
Bielema on perspective and success
“A lot of time people think that you are defined by your success, but really in this profession, you are very much defined by your failures."
— Doug Samuels 🏈 (@CoachSamz) December 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1341105043345465349?s=20