Bret Bielema is returning to the Big Ten ... and the Midwest. Bielema was announced as the 26th football head coach in Illinois history Saturday.
Bielema — an Illinois native — takes over a program previously run by Lovie Smith, who was fired Sunday after five seasons with the team. Bielema was rumored to be among the many coaches Illinois would consider for the position. His contract with Illinois will run six seasons and include an annual salary of $4.2 million.
Illinois director of athletics Josh Whitman called Bielema a “proven winner” who should be familiar in the Big Ten.