The Bret Bielema era at Arkansas has come to an end, and after an 11-29 record in SEC play over five seasons, there is a reason for it to be over.
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Still, Bielema didn't deserve for it to happen like this.
Bielema was officially fired on Friday as soon as he walked off the field after Arkansas's 48-45 loss to Missouri. Soon after he was fired, the program handed out a pre-typed press release announcing the decision, which can be seen here.
While the program hasn't experienced success under Bielema, most felt that he had earned more from the program than to be fired literally as he walked off of the field. Considering that most programs wait until the next day to formally announce the decision, both fans and media alike took offense at Bielema getting the ax before he could even talk to his players after the game.
You fire a guy walking off the field who disgraced your program.
You don’t do that to a man who did things the right way and for whatever reason it didn’t work out https://t.co/YAujPhwguh
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) November 25, 2017
You can argue that Bret Bielema didn't win enough games as Arkansas' football coach, but unless a coach has committed NCAA violations or grossly embarrassed the university with his conduct, no one deserves to be fired while walking off the field after... https://t.co/MoAIGHCRQe
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) November 25, 2017
I think everyone knew Bielema was gone at Arkansas, but to fire the man before he got off the field ... that’s cold, Arkansas officials. No class. #Bielema #arkansas #Razorbacks
— J Brown (@thejbrown5) November 25, 2017
While I'm sure he knew this was coming, pretty low rent by the Interim AD to do it this way (and have a pre-written press release): https://t.co/IJDy3uY1Um
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) November 25, 2017
#uncommon I completely agree. Coach Bielema is showing so much class while the Arkansas administration showed very little. https://t.co/inj84Ejv0I
— Louis Rolleigh (@RazorbackLouie) November 25, 2017
As he did with all things during his tenure, Bret Bielema handled today's firing with grace and dignity. It didn't work out at Arkansas but there were few better people in the SEC in recent years pic.twitter.com/j8R8rYq2UI
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) November 25, 2017
Very classy comments from Bret Bielema especially in the wake of how things unfolded there today. https://t.co/UBESXBO7Tr
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 25, 2017
I get that Arkansas wanted to make a change. I really get it. But, damn, Bielema didn't deserve this. Have a little class, Hogs. https://t.co/gTQNpqiwGT
— Mitch Clarke (@MitchAClarke) November 25, 2017
Did it need to happen? Probably. But very disappointed with the way Bielema was let go. He's been nothing but a class act from the get go
— Erin Portmann (@CoachPortmann14) November 25, 2017
Money speaks the loudest at the end of the day, but don't think that prospective coaches for Arkansas didn't notice what happened here.
For what it is worth, Bielema did follow through with his post-game interview obligations, where he praised the Arkansas program and wished them the best in the future.
Admirable that Bielema went through with the press conference after he was let go. Showed graciousness & class. Best of luck to him and his family in the future!
— Mallory Brooks (@MalloryHBrooks) November 25, 2017
"I will do anything and everything I can to make Arkansas better. I’m a big Arkansas fan. ... Whoever they bring in, I’ll be happy to help." Bret Bielema
— SEC Country (@SECcountry) November 25, 2017
Bielema joined Arkansas in the 2013 season after jumping ship from Wisconsin, but he failed to capture much success compared to what Arkansas experienced in the late-2000s. In five full seasons in Fayetteville, Bielema finishes with a 29-34 overall record, including a dismal 11-29 in SEC play.
