Illinois celebrates its Senior Night on Nov. 29 while hosting Northwestern in the Land of Lincoln rivalry. The Fighting Illini will be closing out the season by sending a heartfelt ‘goodbye’ to their seniors. And ahead of the big night, Bret Bielema sent an emotional message to the seniors, who helped build the program.

Bret Bielema opened up about his love for coaching at Illinois and broke down in tears, knowing it’s the last time he will be coaching the players, who have been there since he took over the Fighting Illini coaching job in 2021.

“I just find it so rewarding to be the head coach and know that Saturday sucks because it is the last time,” said Bret Bielema on the Nov. 24 weekly press conference. “We always meet and say, ‘Hey, it’s the first of last.’ This is my last week wi

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