Bret Bielema Intro Press Conference
Everyone knows that Lou Hernandez is one of the best weight coaches in football. We also know that we had injuries on both sides of the
ball particularly on the lines. Did it seem that both our lines were getting over run at times and is that due to younger linemen still in the developmental stage, poor technique or both; and will this problem be corrected?
ball particularly on the lines. Did it seem that both our lines were getting over run at times and is that due to younger linemen still in the developmental stage, poor technique or both; and will this problem be corrected?
I never thought I’d say this since I was never a BB fan, but I’m really excited about this hire. I can’t wait for next season.
I just took a few min and listened to his presser after he got fired at Arkansas. Woah. Pretty even keeled considering they fired him as he walked off the field after a loss.
Optics are everything right now I know. Wins will be what we remember him for but man this dude when through the fire. Pretty sure I couldn't do that.
Optics are everything right now I know. Wins will be what we remember him for but man this dude when through the fire. Pretty sure I couldn't do that.
Was there a footnote on the screen about hidden gems or track speed? As we all know here, the results weren't as bad as they looked
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Cheers to that.
And let's hope the first 21 months or so of the Bielema era go MUCH more smoothly and according to plan than Underwood's did.
The measure of the quality of the Underwood hire has been not in his straight upward path, but in his ability to adjust and survive and be enough of an asset as a coach and program builder to find the light at the end of the tunnel when everything was such a total disaster at the beginning.
Brad and Bret are both grizzled pro, born-to-do-it college coaches who embrace and relish competing to stay at the top of their profession. The same could be said of John Groce or Ron Zook, it's no guarantee. But it's a bar we've failed to clear too often around here. Beckman should be working at the snack bar, Lovie wasn't cut out for college, Weber openly hated the direction the profession was going, Ron Turner had a bit of all three.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Yep. And if they do...look out...'cause they seem to have an equal emotional connection to the state and program with a destination/dream job feel to it. At least if you take their comments to heart. Which I am.
It took some time, listening and reading, but I am now firmly planted on board the BB train...and their are no strippers and no cocaine.
And that's ok.
For now.
DaChief4ever
- Urbana
Great Hire....BB has the passion we need, and he's gonna be a great salesman too. All boxes checked for the "ideal football coach", kinda overweight, intense, hair on his back , big fingers and I'd love to see him unload on a lackluster player in the locker room.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Lol this is so accurate. Both bald and not bald at the same time, perpetual squint, ill-fitting pants, he really is the physical ideal of the football coach.
aiwpfan
- Springfield, Il
I’m really excited about BB, but one would think that if you saw that belly in the mirror every morning you’d be motivated to make some changes.
Or the other 2 options; 1) He realized we don't have that many game ready linebackers on the roster or 2) some of the calls from players wanting to transfer are big time D lineman!!
Like switch to a smaller mirror, or one of those in the fun house that make you look skinny?
Illini_1979
- Oregon
In the presser he said that he has grown in many ways and that is one which he needs to work on. Hopefully he will drop some weight like BU -- it will be good for his health, and I want him to be here and healthy for quite awhile.
Thinking more like "4linebackers on our present roster?"
Time will tell ..I'm definitely on board !!
Regardless, I was joking - I’m really excited about him getting started. Go ILLINI!!!
Maybe introduce him to BU daughter. Motivated him....
As the days go by, I am more and more excited about this hire. With a few solid transfers, I see us getting back to a bowl game sooner than people think.
And as the days go by, I hope people seeing Lance Leipold as being an awful choice! I am very excited about BB and after this press conference, I can't wait for spring ball (hopefully)!
Yeah, I dropped LOL after seeing them play in the MAC championship. Not that they lost, but that he had a defense that looked like they were afraid to tackle. And I couldn't handle another 3 years of wide open receivers. Liked his offense, though.
Chilliniwek
- Chicagoland
Just watched the presser and I'm impressered! I grew up about two hours south of Prophetstown in farm country and very much like him in many ways, so his comments about growing up with a work ethic really hit home with me. I too was a douchebag until about 40 years old, and then I finally got it after being fired a couple of times, without cause. I'm all in with Bret, I think he's gonna do great, and we all want him to succeed, right. Two other things. #1. I can't find any story about why the younger version of Bret, who grew up wanting to be an Illini, went to Iowa. Anyone know why? Was he not good enough to play here, like Aaron Rodgers? #2. Body shaming or making fun of anyone who doesn't look like what would be considered normal, isn't funny, even on here. It's truly the lowest form of attempted humor there is. Can we just give that up? Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, whatever works for all of you, and let's look forward to a better year than this!
#1
We gave him a Preferred Walk-On offer when he was being recruited while Iowa gave him a full ride. Pretty easy choice as an athlete.
#2
Agreed, but happy be mentioned he was going to work on it. Life is short, but it can be shorter with a high stress job and bad diet with minimal activity. I want this guy coaching the next 12-15 years.