Bielema on Illini Staff Retention: “For the most part, I feel really good”

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema declined to get into specifics about assistant coaching contracts and was vague about staff retention for the 2025 season. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

January 26, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When it comes to the topic of retention of his 2024 coaching staff, Bret Bielema refused to get into specifics and was intentionally vague in his first media session in nearly a month. 

The Illinois head coach claimed Sunday he “for the most part, feel really good about” about the 10 primary assistant coaches to be back on his Illini staff when spring practices . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Illini Football Preview - Rutgers #517

Listen

Illini Fall to Huskies 42-25 - #516

Listen

Sports Spectacular - Illini FB Clash with Washington & Illini BB Ready for Tipoff - S5Ep11 - 10.24.25

Listen

Illinois Football Preview - Washington #515

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Orlando Antigua

Listen

Illini BB vs ISU & FB Coaching Openings #514

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - Illini Recruiting Updates - S5Ep10 - 10.17.25

Listen

Sturdy’s Illini Hoops Thoughts & More - #513

Listen

Illini Mistakes Costly in 34-16 Loss to Ohio State #512

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - #1 tOSU at #17 Illini - S5Ep9 - 10.10.25

Listen

I on the Illini - The B1G & Private Equity with Tony Altimore #511

Listen

I on the Illini - Illini Football Preview - Ohio State - #510

Listen

Illini Defeat Purdue on the Road 43-27 - #509

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - Illini FB Beats USC on to Purdue, BB & Game Predictions - 10.3.25 - S5E8

Listen

I on the Illini - Illini FB Preview: Purdue #508

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.