Arkansas players react to the firing of Bret Bielema
If there was any question whether Bret Bielema was a players’ coach, immediate reaction from Arkansas players about his firing answered that clearly.
Several Razorback players tweeted personal thoughts about the coach who was fired immediately after the loss to Missouri. They cited him helping them fulfill childhood dreams, especially for Arkansas natives, of playing for the state’s flagship football program.
Julie Cromer Peoples, who was named interim athletic director after Jeff Long was fired last week, said in a statement that the Razorbacks “have not been able to sustain the success on the field that is expected and required at the University of Arkansas” during Bielema’s tenure.
As is the case with many college coaches, the players said Bielema was a father figure to them, and taught them life lessons and other principles away from football that they plan to use later in life.
Bielema himself was emotional in a post-game press conference explaining his reaction to the firing. He said he had a chance to say goodbye to some 80 players, including some with hugs on the field.
Thank you @BretBielema for everything, for taking a chance on a walk-on and letting me live out the dream all Arkansas boys want to do. Respect what you did for this program that fans don’t see, it’s not just wins and losses. It’s about life too, and I learned so much here.
— Kevin Richardson II (@K_Rich30) November 25, 2017
The past 5 years have been the best years of my life! Always dreamed of running through the A with the Razorback on my helmet and to fulfill that dream is something I'll cherish forever. Thank you @BretBielema for believing in me and being a truly special coach and leader of men.
— Austin Allen (@austinallen8) November 25, 2017
Need some time to reflect on the news about Coach B. no interviews at the moment please. God bless! 2️⃣
— Tanner™#⃣2⃣ (@tanmyman0127) November 25, 2017
1/2 Say what you want about Coach B as a coach, but as a person, there aren’t many like him. He did everything the right way and instilled us with everything to be successful students and great young men. I know I will be successful when I leave here because of what he taught me
— Bijhon Jackson (@BijhonJ) November 25, 2017
2/2 Thank you for everything coach. It’s been an absolute honor to spend my time at Arkansas with you #WooPig
— Bijhon Jackson (@BijhonJ) November 25, 2017
Thanks to the man who gave an opportunity to a kid from Denmark with a dream! I came here because of your vision and I never stopped believing! Thanks @BretBielema for your ever lasting impact on me as a player and as a person!
— Hjalte Froholdt (@HFroholdt) November 25, 2017