New Report Says Bret Bielema Interviewed For Big Ten Job
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 12: Head Coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks on the sidelines in the first half of a game against the LSU Tigers at Razorback Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
This week, Bret Bielema took a step toward a potential return to college football, according to a new report from Football Scoop.
Bielema, who is currently the outside linebackers coach and a senior defensive assistant with the New York Giants, was one of the candidates Illinois interviewed on Monday and Tuesday, per Football Scoop. The Illini dismissed Lovie Smith as head coach on Sunday after five seasons.
Bret Bielema Is Getting Mentioned For A Big Ten Job
Matt Hladik
Bret Bielema reacting during an Arkansas football game.
Bret Bielema has been away from college football for three seasons, but the two-time Power 5 head coach is now being mentioned for a Big Ten job.
On Sunday, multiple outlets reported that Illinois was parting ways with Lovie Smith after five seasons. According to Yahoo’s Pete Thamel, the school could consider Bielema to fill the void.
Thamel included Bielema among a list of eight names who would make sense for the Illini. On paper, he seems like a sensible fit, having played and coached in the Big Ten.