The Patriots Make it Official: Jen Bielema's Husband is Now on the Staff

Mike Reiss – Bill Belichick has added a new position to his coaching staff this year and has hired one of college football’s more recognized coaches, Bret Bielema, to fill it.

Bielema, the former Arkansas head coach, is joining the Patriots as a “consultant to the head coach” in 2018.

Belichick hadn’t announced Bielema’s role in June, although Bielema was already working with the team at that time. During spring practices, he spent notable time working with special-teams units.

Bielema had been fired as Arkansas coach in November after five seasons.

Well now it’s official. Something I, and I assume all of you, have been hoping would happen ever since Bret Bielema showed up at Belichick’s side at some pre-draft Pro Days.

Sure, I could talk all about what it means for Belichick to have someone in that special consulting role that hasn’t been filled since Mike Lombardi left. That trusted voice with the solid enough relationship to say “You’re wrong” to the Sith Lord himself. I could talk about Bielema’s collegiate record or years of experience. Or the effect he’ll have on former Razorbacks like James White, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Trey Flowers. But like I said back in March, this matters for one reason above all others. And that is the incomparable Jen Bielema.

This is how you perpetuate a dynasty. You assemble men who have accomplished great things, on an off the field. Who have achieved, and in some cases, overachieved. On the field, in the meeting room, in the film room, and in the bedroom. It’s a culture that promotes success in all aspects of your life. And it runs from the owner through the head coach, down to the quarterback, tight end and slot receivers, all the way down to the bottom of the roster. And you can be damned sure that culture does not skip an Assistant to the Regional Manager position that was just filled.

Officially, formally, please allow me to welcome you both to New England, Bret and Jen Bielema. This is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Winners are always welcome here.