Josh Whitman
FILE - University of Illinois head coach Bret Bielema speaks during an NCAA college football news conference at the Big Ten Conference media days, Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Bielema has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss his team's game at No. 18 Iowa on Saturday. Bielema said Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, he was tested for the virus Monday night after developing mild symptoms during the day. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler, File)
Illini's Bielema positive for COVID-19, will miss Iowa game

Nov. 16, 2021 10:32 AM EST

FILE - Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud runs through a drill during an NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio, in this Monday, April 5, 2021, file photo. Third-year Ohio State coach Ryan Day opens a preseason camp for the first time without a good idea of who will be the starting quarterback. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, File)
Ohio St, Badgers Big Ten favorites; Indiana looking for more

By Eric Olson Aug. 23, 2021 01:19 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2017, file photo, Illinois defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree (97) sacks Western Kentucky quarterback Mike White, left, during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Champaign, Ill. Former Illinois football star Roundtree, who was left paralyzed by a spinal cord injury in swimming accident in 2019, died Friday, July 16, 2021. He was 23. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb, File)
Ex-Illini star Roundtree, paralyzed in accident, dies at 23

Jul. 16, 2021 05:39 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 20, 2020, file photo, Illinois' new football coach Bret Bielema and his family were introduced to the media outside the Smith Center on UI campus in Champaign, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 20 , 2020. Bielema saw a unique opportunity to accelerate a turnaround at Illinois when he returned to college football as head coach of the Illini in December. (Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette via AP, File)
College football super seniors could change fortunes in 2021

By Ralph D. Russo Feb. 28, 2021 12:03 PM EST

University of Illinois' new football coach Bret Bielema and his family were introduced to the media outside the Smith Center on UI campus in Champaign, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 20 , 2020. (Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette via AP)
New Illinois coach to make homegrown talent a priority

By Terry Towery Dec. 21, 2020 05:45 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov 24, 2017 file photo, Bret Bielema speaks with reporters beneath Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. Bielema is returning to the Big Ten and his home state to coach Illinois. Illinois hired the former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach, hoping he can turn around a program with nine straight losing seasons. (AP Photo/Kelly P. Kissel)
Illinois hires Bielema as coach to lift struggling program

By Andy Seligman Dec. 19, 2020 09:13 AM EST

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, left, and Illinois head coach Lovie Smith shakes hands after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. Iowa won 35-21. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Illinois fires coach Lovie Smith after 5 seasons

Dec. 13, 2020 12:56 PM EST

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly, left, and Southern California head coach Clay Helton meet after an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Pick Six: Which coaches need strong finishes to keep jobs?

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 14, 2019 03:28 PM EDT

Illinois' Dominic Stampley (6) runs the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
Nebraska, Illinois will open 2021 football season in Ireland

By The Associated Press Oct. 14, 2019 11:08 AM EDT

Illinois head coach Lovie Smith, right, talks to linebacker Del' Shawn Phillips during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Northwestern won 24-16. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Illinois extends Smith's contract 2 years after 4-8 season

Nov. 25, 2018 01:33 PM EST