Coaching change
Illinois hires Bret Bielema
Illinois hired Bret Bielema as head coach. Wikipedia
Before
Previous head coachLovie Smith17-39
After
New head coachBret Bielema
Where the program stood around the hire
Before: ranked 83rd of 127 in 2020. Next: 77th, 64th.
Rank among the programs the Zeitgeist List scored that season, at season end; a lower number is better. How the Zeitgeist List works.
View as table
| Season | Rank | Where that sits | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 91st of 130 | lower half | 2-10 |
| 2018 | 92nd of 130 | lower half | 4-8 |
| 2019 | 89th of 130 | lower half | 6-7 |
| 2020 | 83rd of 127 | lower half | 2-6 |
| 2021 | 77th of 130 | lower half | 5-7 |
| 2022 | 64th of 131 | upper half | 8-5 |
| 2023 | 61st of 133 | upper half | 5-7 |
More facts
- Bret Bielema succeeded Lovie Smith (17-39), who left on December 13, 2020. Wikipedia, dated December 13, 2020
- Rod Smith had been interim head coach. Wikipedia
Latest source dated December 13, 2020.