Watch BEING Bret Bielema

Being Bret Bielema is an engaging six-episode docu-series, which originally aired on ESPNU in 2016. The series opens up a previously unseen and unheard facet of the world of college football, taking its viewers knee-deep into the life of Bret Bielema, the coach with the razorback spirit.

Bret Bielema, Arkansas football's head coach at the time, is no stranger to the athletic fraternity. Known for his outspoken nature and his larger-than-life personality, Bielema's coaching style has always been enveloped in curiosity by fans and critics alike. Being Bret Bielema offers an unprecedented close-up look into Bielema’s life, invariably taking us deeper into the intricacies of football coaching, the Arkansas Razorbacks program, and the world of NCAA football.

The series sets out to break the one-dimensional image of a football coach and does a fine job at it. The lens of Being Bret Bielema delves into the head coach's personal life, his relationships, perspectives, and experiences, putting forth an aspect often overlooked amidst the blitz and blitzkrieg of the season. Bielema opens up about various spheres of his life including his marriage, friendships, professional crossroads, personal struggles, and achievements. It portrays how these individual experiences intertwine to shape the coach we see on the field.

The show does a splendid job of demystifying the role and duties of a college football coach. In showing the coach in various avenues of his job, the viewers are given an in-depth look into what it takes to navigate the natural pressures associated with this role. The series illustrates the intense work that goes into making tough decisions, scouting, recruiting, and mentoring young student-athletes, along with managing a vibrant coaching staff, dealing with media, and establishing rapport and winning over fans and critics.

Being Bret Bielema, while providing a sneak-peek into the daily operations and behind-the-scenes activities of a football program, also extends its perspective to the external environment that impacts these operations. Episodes involve discussions and insights about the NCAA, SEC, and the dynamics of college football. It brings forth conversations around balancing academic responsibilities while managing the rigorous athletic schedule, the interplay of sports within the landscape of college education, and the societal impact of collegiate athletics.

In bringing the complexities of this role to the fore, the series offers a narrative that is far from the field’s glamour and glory. It shows a coach's endeavors dealing with unseen challenges, making strategic decisions, and engaging with various stakeholders. The show rests on the robustness of Bret Bielema's personality, his ability to amuse, and his refreshing candidness, which delivers an engaging storytelling experience.

Being Bret Bielema focuses on carving out human moments amidst the frenzy of football. It captures Bielema in his reflective moments, lending a unique perspective to his approach and philosophies towards his life and career. Viewers witness Bielema’s journey from a small town boy from Illinois to a successful college football coach, the hardships that have strengthened him, the learnings that have shaped him, and the gratification that success has brought him.

The series is also patriotic, capturing the essence of the state of Arkansas, and Razorback Football’s impact on its community. It paints a loving picture of Razorback Country, throwing light on the fervor for football in the region, and how the program colors the rhythm and culture of Arkansas.

Showcasing a cavalcade of exclusive interviews, footage from personal, public and professional scenarios, and a narrative spun with authenticity, Being Bret Bielema is a must-watch for all supporters of Razorback football, college football enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a well-told story. Resilient, charismatic, and real, the series allows viewers a chance to understand the enigmatic Bret Bielema and college football beyond the gridiron, enriching their spectatorship of the sport.