Bret Bielema, Head Coach - Illinois

Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Illinois Head Coach, Bret Bielema’s General Session speech from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this talk, Coach Bielema discusses how he creates a culture of being Tough, Smart, and Dependable, defines important characteristics of Illinois Football, and gives some practical advice to young coaches. Coach Bielema just completed his third season as the Head Coach of the Fighting Illini.

Connect with Coach Bielema and Illinois football on social media here.

@BretBielema & @IlliniFootball

Show Notes:

1:06 Introduction

3:41 Career Highlights

5:20 Tough. Smart. Dependable.

7:35 Characteristics of Illinois Football

13:55 Practice Planning

19:21 In-Practice Drills

31:05 Culture outside of the building

32:08 Choose a job you love

33:10 Conclusion