Bret Bielema was officially announced as the next head coach of Illinois football on Saturday morning. AD Josh Whitman introduced him during a press conference on Monday. Here’s what Bielema had to say:

On becoming head coach:

• As a native of Illinois who was born at Illini hospital, things have come full-circle.
• The blueprint and the facilities that are already at Illinois added to his excitement.
• Taught his daughters the “I-L-L”, “I-N-I” saying.
• He held a team meeting that was broken up into meetings with seniors.
• It was surreal to walk through the halls of the facilities at Illinois.