Illinois coach Bret Bielema tests positive for COVID-19

Illinois is getting ready to take on Iowa on the road this week — but it’ll be without its head coach. Illini Athletics announced Tuesday morning that Bret Bielema tested positive for COVID-19.

Bielema, who is fully vaccinated, said he felt some symptoms Monday night and was tested Tuesday morning. As a result, he won’t be able to coach in the Illini’s penultimate game this weekend against the Hawkeyes. Wide receivers coach George McDonald will serve as the acting head coach for that game.

“I’m disappointed that I will not be with our team this week when we travel to Iowa, but I’m grateful that I’m vaccinated and received the booster shot last week,” Bielema said in a statement. “Going back to last spring and this fall, I have set protocol for anyone on our staff who may be removed due to COVID, including myself as a head coach.

“Our players and coaches have prepared for 10 games already this year and today’s news will just be a continuation of that process. … If all stays on the current path, I should be available and present for next week. Our team has shown repeatedly this year that next man up is the standard not the exception and this will be another example of this mentality in our Illini FamILLy [sic].”

Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, a former Illini football player, also released a statement regarding Bielema’s positive test.

“As with every other part of the program, Coach and the football staff have a plan for this contingency, and they began executing on that plan overnight,” Whitman said. “Coach will remain as involved as possible throughout the week, and we are confident in Coach McDonald’s ability to serve in his place where needed, including during the game at Iowa on Saturday. … I have great confidence in our staff and players, and I look forward to another strong performance in Iowa City this week.”

Illinois is 4-6 so far in Bielema’s first season at the helm and 3-4 in Big Ten play. Two of those conference wins came over ranked opponents — Penn State on Oct. 23 and, most recently, Minnesota last week. The Illini are getting ready to take on another ranked opponent this weekend at Iowa Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

Barring any setbacks, Bielema would be on track to return to the sideline next week when Illinois takes on Northwestern on Nov. 27 to close out the season.