On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Illinois Head Coach, Bret Bielema. In this conversation, Coach Bielema discusses starting out at his alma mater, working with legendary coaches, and the impact coaches can have on their players. Coach Bielema, who just began his fourth season at Illinois, was recently named to the AFCA Board of Trustees and helped lead the Illini to a 45-0 victory to kick off their 2024 campaign.  

Follow Coach Bielema and Illinois Football on social media here:  

@BretBielema & @IlliniFootball 

1:05 Being shaped by tragedy, differentiating yourself as a coach from a player, and the power of the pen and writing notes.  

18:31 Becoming a full-time coach at Iowa, taking the leap away from your alma mater to advance your career, and joining the staff at Wisconsin.  

39:23 Working under multiple legendary coaches, navigating adversity as a head coach, and joining the AFCA Board of Trustees.