Entering Year 3 at Illinois, Bret Bielema was brought in to rebuild the program and has seen those benefits through his contract. Let’s examine Bielema’s contract and salary for the 2023 season and beyond, as well as see what his net worth currently stands.
Bret Bielema’s Salary and Contract in 2023
Back in December of 2020, Bielema agreed to a six-year contract with Illinois to become their head coach. The deal was worth $26.7 million, which would be an average of about $4.3 million per year.
After the 2022 campaign, Bielema received a contract extension from the school that would keep him through the 2028 season. His annual salary would increase from $4.3 million to $6 million with the new agreement. Starting in 2023, his salary will be at $6 million, which is a $1.7 million increase from his 2022 salary.
At the conclusion of the 2023 season, there will be an increase of $150,000 annually over a six-year period. If Bielema were to stay on until the 2028 season, his last salary would be $6.75 million.
The deal also includes yearly raises and bonuses based on performance and a $500,000 annual retention. According to ESPN, Bielema is also eligible for up to four one-year extensions if certain performance benchmarks are met. SportsSkeeda added the condition that the Fighting Illini need to win a minimum of six games per season during a contract year.
Bret Bielema’s Net Worth
Bielema’s net worth is estimated at $8 million based on what he has made from other schools and includes what he is getting paid at Illinois.
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Depending on his bonuses, he could be able to hit that net worth yearly, but if he doesn’t hit on performance, it could decrease his net worth. For now, though, Illinois is seeing good success, which should lead to good paydays for Bielema.