Commentary

Bret Bielema endearing by being himself

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema walks into a sea of media at the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days, Wednesday, July 13, 2016, in Hoover, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Nick Saban is standoffish, Gus Malzahn is guarded, Les Miles is goofy and Hugh Freeze is folksy.

And Bret Bielema is … well, he is Bret Bielema, and that seems to be a pleasant change of pace for those who cover college football.

Since coming to Arkansas, we have seen first-hand how much Bielema thrives in the media spotlight. His subtle jabs, jokes, honesty and outtakes at press conferences (hopping on his wife, borderline erotic, etc.) have been well-received. The longer he coaches in the SEC, the more favorable impression he seems to make by his, real, dry-humored, cordial sincerity.

Never is his charm or popularity more evident than at SEC Media Days. When he got to the podium a couple of weeks ago, he had some in stitches describing to the SEC network what it was like attending his former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson’s wedding, which was a star-studded affair.

"It was kind of cool to me because I'm the guy in the eighth row seat," Bielema said. "I didn't know everybody, but you look over there and Kelly Rowland and Destiny's Child. Beautiful people. My wife is still No. 1, but there were a lot of runners-up there."

That’s funny insight that you wouldn’t get from every SEC coach. It’s honest, and maybe a little too honest, but that’s Bielema.

SEC Network viewers also learned about Bielema’s love for dogs, especially his teacup yorkies, Rick and Lucky, who were on hand at Media Days in Hoover, Ala., along with his wife, Jen.

“I love them, because when I come home they don’t care if you win by 40 or lose by two, they’re the same every day,” he said.

During his session, he talked about how during his first media days he got into a back-and-forth with a coach (Auburn’s Malzahn) and received a phone call from then-commissioner Mike Slive, who gave him a dressing down like no man - other than his father - had given him. More candor and insight that not every coach is willing to reveal.

Bielema was equally as charming during the "Car Wash" tour at ESPN last week as he did interview after interview for the network’s various shows.

With some coaches, you may be leery that the jokes and low-key demeanor may be a bit of an act or a way to butter-up the media. That’s just his demeanor, like he’d rather be wearing shorts and flip-flops than a suit and dress shoes. That’s who he is.

It’s not a marketing ploy, but it is paying big dividends. The Hogs haven’t exactly been dominant in Bielema’s three years, but have received a lot of attention partly because of his personality and accessibility. Bielema was invited to be a part of the CBS’ coverage of the SEC Championship game last year. A lot of prep recruits watched that game and got a glimpse of Bielema.

Bielema is also a star of his own internet reality show, Being Bret Bielema, the brainchild of sports radio host Bo Mattingly. The format is the best way to showcase Bielema’s quirks and personality as he interacts with fans, players and others in day-to-day life. Not every coach would welcome this opportunity, and not many would be as interesting as him. It’s another great marketing tool, and has to make a favorable impression on recruits as they see firsthand the laidback approach Bielema takes.

Winning is the bottom line in college football. It’s serious business, and Bielema knows there are a time and a place to be serious. Most of the time that place is not a media room or a one-one-on-one interview. Those are times for him to have a little fun and let his hair down.

It has made him a favorite figure in the SEC and should translate into more and more national exposure, which is what the Arkansas program needs if it wants to compete on the recruiting trail and the field.