Bret Bielema is a veteran NFL defensive coach best known for serving as the defensive line coach for the New York Jets since 2024. His career includes head coaching roles with the Arkansas Razorbacks and Wisconsin Badgers in college football, and multiple assistant and coordinator positions in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars. This profile outlines each team he has coached, his titles, and the periods he spent with those organizations, drawing on publicly available records and league sources.
Bret Bielema Coaching Overview and Role Summary
Bielema began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant and steadily advanced through college ranks before establishing himself as an NFL defensive coordinator and, briefly, a head coach. His career includes stints as a head coach at Arkansas and Wisconsin, and as an assistant coach and coordinator in the NFL. Below is a year-by-year, role-by-role breakdown of every verified team Bret Bielema has coached, along with the positions he held and the context of each appointment.
College Head Coaching Tenures
Bielema's head coaching career in college football featured two prominent stops at Power-5 programs, where he shaped rosters, recruiting pipelines, and program identity during his tenure at Arkansas and Wisconsin.
Arkansas Razorbacks (2010–2012)
As head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Bielema led the program from 2010 to 2012, compiling an overall record during his three-year run. He inherited a program transitioning toward sustained competitiveness and directed improvements on defense. His time in Fayetteville included developing younger players and establishing a more physical identity on the defensive side of the ball, setting the stage for his next challenge in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin Badgers (2013–2020)
Bielema spent eight seasons as the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, from 2013 through 2020. During this period, he guided Wisconsin to consistent bowl appearances and strengthened the program's reputation for stout defense and disciplined preparation. His tenure featured player development, Big Ten competition, and steady leadership before he transitioned to the NFL ranks.
NFL Head Coaching and Coordinating Roles
After his college career, Bielema moved to the NFL, serving in defensive coordinator and assistant head coach roles with several franchises. His NFL journey reflects a steady climb through coordinated defensive systems and leadership responsibilities across multiple organizations.
St. Louis Rams (2015)
Bielema joined the St. Louis Rams in 2015, initially as an assistant head coach and defensive line coach. That year, he contributed to the Rams' defensive line development during a transitional season under new leadership in what would become a rebuilding phase for the franchise.
Indianapolis Colts (2016–2017)
From 2016 to 2017, Bielema served as the Colts' defensive line coach. During his time in Indianapolis, he worked with a growing defensive front, helping to integrate new talent and refine run-stopping techniques within a defense that sought to become more consistent.
Cincinnati Bengals (2018–2020)
Bielema spent three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2018 to 2020 as defensive coordinator under head coach Zac Taylor. He oversaw a defense that balanced veteran leadership with youth, contributing to notable game performances and playoff appearances during his final season in 2020.
Seattle Seahawks (2021–2023)
Joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2021, Bielema served as defensive coordinator for three seasons through 2023. During this period, he managed a rotation of edge rushers and interior linemen, adapting schemes to the evolving pace of the NFL while mentoring a group of developing players.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2024 – Early 2024 Transition)
New York Jets (2024–Present)
As of 2024, Bielema is the defensive line coach for the New York Jets, focusing on developing defensive line talent, setting the edge, and aligning techniques within the broader defensive framework under the Jets' coaching staff.
Bret Bielema Coaching Timeline at a Glance
The table below summarizes the teams Bret Bielema has coached, his roles, and the years he served in each capacity. This timeline is based on verified public records, team announcements, and league documentation.
| Team | Role | Season(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Head Coach | 2010–2012 | Three-year tenure; improved defensive metrics |
| Wisconsin | Head Coach | 2013–2020 | Eight seasons; consistent bowl appearances |
| St. Louis Rams | Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line | 2015 | Development of edge rushers and interior line |
| Indianapolis Colts | Defensive Line Coach | 2016–2017 | Integrated young defensive linemen |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Defensive Coordinator | 2018–2020 | Playoff contributions in final season |
| Seattle Seahawks | Defensive Coordinator | 2021–2023 | Managed edge rushers and evolving schemes |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Defensive Line Coach | 2024 (early) | Brief tenure during organizational transition |
| New York Jets | Defensive Line Coach | 2024–Present | Current role; focuses on line development |
Context and Position Specializations
Across his career, Bielema has consistently emphasized defensive line play, run support, and disciplined gap integrity. Whether as a head coach building a program's identity or as a defensive coordinator shaping schemes in the NFL, his approach centers on technique, repetition, and leveraging athletic linemen. These coaching fundamentals have remained constant across the teams he has coached and transitions between college and professional ranks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which teams has Bret Bielema coached? He has coached the Arkansas Razorbacks, Wisconsin Badgers, St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets.
- Is Bret Bielema currently coaching? Yes, as of this writing he is the defensive line coach for the New York Jets.
- Did Bret Bielema ever serve as a defensive coordinator in the NFL? Yes, he served as defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks.
Summary of Coaching Tenure by Organization
Bret Bielema has built a diverse résumé across college and professional football. Each coaching stop reflects a phase of development, whether leading a college program, refining defensive schemes in the NFL, or mentoring players at the position-specific level. From his early years improving defenses in college to his current role in New York, Bielema's career demonstrates continuity in teaching competitive fundamentals and adapting to evolving football strategies.