Illinois coach Bret Bielema to miss Iowa game after positive COVID-19 test

The Illinois Fighting Illini improved to 4-6 overall on the season via a 14-6 win at the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Nov. 6 but will be without a key figure for Saturday's game at the 8-2 Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Illinois coach Bret Bielema confirmed Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and, thus, won't be available through at least Saturday. Bielema will work with the team virtually, and assistant George McDonald will handle Illinois head-coaching duties at Iowa. 

"After developing mild symptoms yesterday, I was tested and unfortunately late Monday night tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19," Bielema explained in a statement shared by Harry Lyles Jr. of ESPN. "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. 

"Going back to last spring and this fall, I have a 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." 

Bielema added that he expects to be back at work in-person next week, ahead of a matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats on the final Saturday of November. 

Bielema, in his first season in charge of the program, generated headlines last month with controversial comments that seemed to include criticisms of his current roster and the team's previous regime. Illinois has won two of three games since that time.