Bret Bielema Intro Press Conference

#26      

Deleted member 747840

D
Guest
Hard to not like everything from that presser. Anyone who doesn't think he's at least moderately humble needs to listen to it. I get he probably plays the small-town card a lot and has that routine down, but he clearly cares about his family. Glad to see some personality at the podium. Passion for the game and the team came through too. He checked a lot of boxes for me today.

He didn't come out and say it, but sure sounds like Illinois was on his mind a lot growing up, gotta like that regardless of where he went to school.
 
#27      

ChiefGritty

Chicago, IL
Because Beckman was a moron and Lovie was instinctively tight-lipped and adversarial toward the press, it has been a long time since we've had that sort of easygoing charm from the face of the program.

Not the world's most important thing, but it made that a pleasant hour to listen to.

Now, to the work.
 
#28      

Dan

Admin


Bret Bielema: I couldn't be more excited to be the head coach at the University of Illinois. It really has come full circle.

Bielema: What got me excited about the University of Illinois now is the foundation and blue print that are here already. Mentions facilities.

Bielema gets emotional talking about his parents and thanks them for raising him the right way. Couldn't be here today due to COVID.

Bielema gets emotional again telling a story about teaching daughter ILL-INI chat.

Bielema had team meeting without any cameras. That was between me and them and then broke up meetings with seniors and potential NFL prospects. "It was a really rewarding day."

Bielema: I can't wait to walk down the street and see the fans and give an ILL-INI chant.

Bielema: The root of good football is simple. We'll build a roster of smart, tough, dependable players. The overall goal is to build a developmental roster.

Bielema: We all grow. I thought I was Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, Bill Belichick, all wrapped up into one. I was feeling my oats a little bit. I have gained perspective through 25 years in this profession.

Bielema: "I think I'll always be confident. I don't mind walking into a room and letting people know it."

Bielema: Said he's learned a lot about how to be more even-keeled from professional coaches.

Bielema on how he's grown since last in the Big Ten: "Unfortunately, I've physically grown. I have to take care of that."

Bielema quips: "I talked to the Illinois Highway Department. [Recruits] will not be able to leave the state anymore."

 
#29      
I'm hoping the emotion came from realizing just how important his O&B roots are and what a special opportunity this is for him to build his home state university into a consistent football powerhouse!
 
#32      

Illwinsagain

Cary, IL
I'm hoping the emotion came from realizing just how important his O&B roots are and what a special opportunity this is for him to build his home state university into a consistent football powerhouse!
I would be ok if he just felt very fortunate to get another shot at the P5 as a head coach. He was at the top, and has been humbled. I get it, on a smaller scale, I've gone through the same. It changes you.
 
#34      
He certainly handles the PR side of the job better than our last several coaches. Interesting to hear him mention that players at other schools have already reached out to him about a potential transfer. Obviously, his staff hires will be crucial; looking forward to those. I believe I heard him say "hopefully by the beginning of January."
 
#36      

altenberger22

South Carolina
Because Beckman was a moron and Lovie was instinctively tight-lipped and adversarial toward the press, it has been a long time since we've had that sort of easygoing charm from the face of the program.

Not the world's most important thing,
but it made that a pleasant hour to listen to.

Now, to the work.
I actually think it is important. And your point is well-taken.

That was a homerun press conference!

My HC preferences were the three unattainable guys at the top (Malzahn, Fickell and Campbell) and then Bielema. In other words, I think Josh managed to get the top guy available. He really nailed it with his selection. I believe we'll notice a distinct difference in the program in 2021 and I think we'll be competitive in all of our games by Year 3.
 
#38      

TMC999

Not Iowa
I’ll publicly change my tune. I thought it was a bad hire. Over the past few days I’ve seen a guy who seems to be very different than the pompous 30-something we all knew at UW and Arkie. maybe I’m getting snowed but this seems like a genuine fresh start and I can relate. Family grounds you and that’s what I heard/saw, especially today.

Welcome to Illinois Bret - I’m on board. And when we build this thing where it needs to be I expect you to run it up on Iowa with no mercy. Go Illini.
 
#42      
As always there is always the "coach speak". I think it would hard to be able to act out the emotion he showed. Talking about family, things that made him who he is today. When he was first mentioned I wasn't on board. He seemed to be able to give praise to others in his life and only humble people are able to do that. Hard not to like anything he said. My hope is he can stay upbeat during his first seasons, he knows it will be difficult. Count me onboard now with this hire.
 
#43      

Illwinsagain

Cary, IL
He certainly handles the PR side of the job better than our last several coaches. Interesting to hear him mention that players at other schools have already reached out to him about a potential transfer. Obviously, his staff hires will be crucial; looking forward to those. I believe I heard him say "hopefully by the beginning of January."
And he knows how to pronounce "Illinois".
 
#45      

JFGsCoffeeMug

BU:1 Trash cans:0
Chicago
I might have heard wrong too. I thought he said he wanted to start filling some positions soon (early January), but that he didn't think the process would be complete until the end of January.
I heard wrong. New Werner article confirms that Bret's plan is to get his entire staff in place by early January. Love it. Need to move fast to avoid losing momentum.
 
#46      
I wasn't sure, but the more I read about BB and the more I hear him talk, the more I think Whitman made the best hire he could. He looks like he'll sell the Illini better than anyone has since the Zooker too.

Definitely an upgrade over the past 3 coaches
 
#50      

SuperMetroid

Evanston
I wasn't doing backflips when his name was announced, but I'm definitely coming around to this hire more and more. He's said and done everything I could have hoped for so far. He seems to understand our program and has a real plan in mind (imagine that!) to make it successful. Appears to have genuinely been humbled a bit and grown as a person too. And as a fellow dad of two, his kids are adorable.
Next step - putting together a great staff.