Why Bret Bielema Promoted Trent Harris as OLB Coach Instead of Doing a National Search

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema valued preserving what continuity he had when needing to make another coaching change at the outside linebacker/pass rusher specialist spot of his staff.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

February 20, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Given the choice of continuity versus another national search for replacement assistant coach, Bret Bielema ultimately went with the idea of promoting a familiar face.

With Clint Sintim’s one-year tenure as outside linebackers coach ending when him eventually taking an open linebackers coaching job at Colorado State, Illinois star pass rusher Gabe Jacas was staring down the . . .

 

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