By Winning Their Trust, Bielema Has Transformed Illinois Football into a Powerhouse

Bret Bielema has turned around the Illinois football program by fostering strong relationships with the families of his players, particularly their mothers. Last New Year’s Eve, the once-struggling Illinois team won the Citrus Bowl, finishing 10-3—their best season in decades. Following the victory, Bielema immediately focused on a familiar challenge for college coaches: retaining his top players. One of the most coveted recruits, star linebacker Gabe Jacas, had offers from multiple schools and was projected as a mid-round NFL Draft pick. However, Bielema’s deep connection with Jacas’s mother, Paula Henry, played a pivotal role in convincing him to return for the 2025 season.

Bielema’s approach goes beyond recruitment—it’s about building lasting relationships. He maintains regular contact with players’ families throughout the season, ensuring they feel valued and informed. This commitment has helped Illinois retain 16 starters from last season, more than any other team in the Big Ten. His efforts have not only strengthened team unity but also created a unique bond with the mothers of his players, who now see him as an extended family member.

Bielema’s philosophy is simple: by understanding and engaging with the people who influence a player’s decisions, coaches can significantly increase their chances of success. As the ninth-ranked Illinois team prepares for a crucial matchup against No. 19 Indiana, Bielema’s strategy continues to prove effective, reinforcing the idea that winning over players’ moms can lead to winning on the field.

Bielema has also introduced innovative ways to involve families in the program. Last spring, he launched a special practice for players’ moms, who were given jerseys and taught to line up in their sons’ positions to run routes, block, and tackle. The event was a hit, with many mothers expressing a desire for it to continue in future seasons. This kind of engagement helps build a sense of community and shared purpose among the families of players, further solidifying their loyalty to the program.

Additionally, Bielema’s personal connection to his own mother, Marilyn, who passed away in 2022, has influenced his approach to coaching. Years ago, when he was coaching at Wisconsin, he held a Football 101 clinic for women to raise money to combat breast cancer. This tradition has evolved into a more interactive and inclusive event that highlights the importance of family in the success of a player’s college football journey.

With new rules around transferring and player pay, coaches like Bielema must ensure their players are not only happy on signing day but throughout their entire college careers. Illinois’ starting quarterback, Luke Altmyer, is a former four-star recruit who spent two years struggling at Mississippi. After throwing for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns at Illinois last year, Altmyer could have left for more money. However, he chose to stay, in part because of his belief in Bielema’s leadership and the strong sense of community within the program. Altmyer described “Moms’ Day” as “the biggest joy that I think I’ve had in my college experience,” highlighting the emotional impact of Bielema’s efforts to connect with players’ families.

Bielema’s influence extends beyond the field. He has been known to go out of his way to assist players’ families, even with small but meaningful gestures. For example, when running back Kaden Feagin’s mother, Jennifer Feagin, had trouble finding her game tickets, Bielema personally helped her resolve the issue. “He makes you feel like you’re the only one in the conversation,” Feagin said, emphasizing the personal touch Bielema brings to his role.

As Illinois continues to climb in the rankings, Bielema’s unique approach to coaching—rooted in personal connections and family engagement—has become a blueprint for success in modern college football. His ability to build trust and loyalty with players and their families has not only revitalized the Illinois program but also redefined the way college football is coached today.