<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2sfHBV_0w99LMR600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2sfHBV_0w99LMR600" width="1500" height="844" ><p>CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was named to the 2024 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list, the American Heart Association announced Wednesday.</p><p>The award, given each January to a college football coach, recognizes contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.</p><p>Bielema has led the Fighting Illini to a 5-1 start with two AP Top 25 victories. Illinois has been ranked for five straight weeks, including coming in at #22 in this week's poll.</p><p>The National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family voted on the watch list, finalists and Coach of the Year recipient.</p></div></body>

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Coach Bielema named to Bear Bryant Coach of the Year watch list

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was named to the 2024 Paul \"Bear\" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list, the American Heart Association announced Wednesday. The award, given each January to a college football coach, recognizes contributions that make the sport better for athletes...

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was named to the 2024 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list, the American Heart Association announced Wednesday. The award, given each January to a college football coach, recognizes contributions that make the sport better for athletes...