Bret Bielema, now coaching the Illinois Fighting Illini, sure has himself a nice family story. His wife, Jen Hielsberg, they’ve been together for a good while now. It was back on March 10, 2012, in Madison, Wisconsin, that these two tied the knot. And you know, that was before he got on with Illinois and even before he finished up his coaching days with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He’d coached the Wisconsin Badgers for several years, then went on down to Arkansas, all while Jen was right there by his side.
Who is Jen Hielsberg?
Well, folks might wonder who this Jen Hielsberg is, being married to a big-time football coach and all. Now, Jen, she’s not one to hog the spotlight, but folks who follow Bret Bielema know she’s a big part of his life. They met years ago and then got married after a while of getting to know each other. Since then, Jen’s been supporting him through thick and thin, be it Wisconsin’s chilly games or the heat down in Arkansas.
It’s been said that Jen had herself a good job in finance before marrying Bret. She wasn’t just sitting around waiting for a football coach to come along. Nope, she was right in the working world, doing things her own way. And that’s something folks admire about her. Not everyone gets to meet a football coach, let alone marry one, and still keep things down-to-earth like she does. She’s just steady like that, which is maybe why Bret and her make such a good match.
Family Life with Bret and Jen
Now, family is everything to these two, you can tell. They didn’t start their family right away, though. A few years went by before their first daughter, Briella Nicole Bielema, came along in 2017. And I tell you, nothing lights up a home like a little baby! Then, in March 2019, they welcomed their second daughter, Brexli Nichole Bielema. Those girls sure seem like they’re the center of Jen and Bret’s world these days. You see Bret out there coaching, but when the game’s done, he’s back to being Dad. And Jen, she’s right there, making sure those girls are raised up strong and happy.
Bret’s Coaching Journey and Jen’s Support
Bret’s been around a few football fields in his time. After playing football himself, he started coaching at Wisconsin, where he had quite the winning record – folks remember him for that. He won a lot of games there, 17 out of his first 18 even! Then he went on to coach the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2013 to 2017. It wasn’t always easy, but Jen was there through it all. Coaching isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and it takes a strong family to keep up with it.
After Arkansas, Bret had some time off before he got the job with Illinois in 2021. That’s where he is now, coaching the Fighting Illini. And you can bet, Jen and those girls are there cheering him on, rain or shine. It’s nice to see, isn’t it? A family sticking together like that through all the ups and downs.
The Simple Joys for the Bielema Family
Of course, life isn’t all football, not even for someone like Bret Bielema. He and Jen like to keep things simple when they’re not busy with the team. Bret often talks about enjoying time with his family, especially his daughters. From what folks have seen, the Bielemas enjoy being together at home, spending time like any other family. There’s nothing fancy about it – just love and family time. You’d think they’d be out at fancy places all the time, but no, they’re just down-to-earth folks.
Jen and Bret seem to have that balance worked out. She supports him in his career, and he makes time for the family. Their daughters are young, but you can bet they’re growing up watching their parents work hard and stick together. That’s something to be proud of, isn’t it?
A Strong Partnership
At the end of the day, Bret and Jen’s story is one of partnership. They’ve faced a lot together, from moves to new states to the highs and lows of a coaching career. And through it all, they’ve stayed side by side. Jen, even if she stays out of the limelight, is as much a part of Bret’s journey as anyone on the field. That’s the thing about a strong marriage – it keeps you going, no matter what life throws your way.
So, next time you see Bret Bielema out there coaching, just remember he’s got a solid team behind him at home. And that’s his wife Jen, along with those two little girls, keeping his spirit strong. Now that’s a story to admire, isn’t it?
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