New Illinois Football Assistant says 'No Brainer' to work with Bielema

Originally posted on Armchair Illini
By Kirkland Chappell | Last updated 5/4/24

New Illinois Football Assistant says “No Brainer” to work with Bielema

New Illinois Football Director of Player Personnel Dre Brown is happy to once again be back in Champaign. The former Illini running back was hired onto the staff to assist Bret Bielema, as well as the programs’ recruiting department. He spoke to Illini media late in the week to re-acquaint himself with fans of the orange and blue.

Statements

Dre spoke highly of his new position at Illinois, as well as the relationship he has established with the current staff. He shares his enthusiasm to be working with Illini head coach Bret Bielema. Certainly, the young man is excited to learn from the level of knowledge and experience Bret brings to the table.

“Coach B really sold me on his vision, and the vision for the program. Seeing his track record of success and winning, I sat down and thought about it, but it was really a no-brainer to come home,” says the former Illini “It’s his stability and his work ethic. Even just being here the first two weeks, he is probably the hardest-working head coach I have ever seen or been around,” said Dre. He continues “Knowing there is a guy that’s going to go to war with you, he is going to put all the effort in, that’s what made it that much more attractive to come back.”

Dre’s Road (Back) to Illinois

Brown has spent the past 3 seasons in the recruiting department for the prestigious Notre Dame football program. First, serving as an offensive analyst, before making the switch to the Fighting Irish’s high school recruiting director. Bielema then hired the Dekalb (Ill) native onto the staff to replace Nate McNeal as the Director of Player Personnel. Who departed the program for Syracuse University during the off-season.

Dre had a truly inspiring career for Illinois Football. He suffered multiple season-ending injuries to his knee. Furthermore, leading to major surgeries, and long recovery periods. However, in a remarkable comeback, he was able to earn All-Big Ten honors for the Illini’s 2019 bowl team. After a storied career at Illinois, Dre quickly made his way to South Bend Indiana. Continuing his passion for the game of football. Dre is a great person, who is widely liked by those around him. Certainly, Bret hit a home run here from a personal standpoint.