The Edmonton Elks named former Calgary Stampeders special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Mark Kilam as the new head coach on Monday.
“Mark has been preparing for the opportunity to be a CFL head coach for years and brings not only a wealth of experience, but tremendous enthusiasm to everything he does,” said Elks Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Ed Hervey.
“Players want to play for Mark, and coaches across the league respect his abilities and approach. We’re all excited to benefit from Mark’s energy and the collective strength of the coaching staff we’re working to assemble. I know he’s the right person for this job and this moment, as we build a championship organization.”
Mark Kilam is 45 years old and hails from Lethbridge, Alberta. He was a member of the coaching staff for 20 years beginning in 2005 as a strength and conditioning coach/defensive assistant. In 2007, he was promoted to linebackers/strength and conditioning coach. In 2008, Calgary’s defense allowed the fewest points on their way to winning the 96th Grey Cup over the Montreal Alouettes.
In 2010, he moved up to be the team’s special teams coordinator. In 2018, Calgary led the league in punt-return average (12.3 yards) and lowest opponent punt-return average (8.1 yards) when they won the 106th Grey Cup over the Ottawa Redblacks.
Since 2019, he took on both special teams coordinator and assistant head coach duties. He finishes his Calgary coaching career winning three Grey Cup championships.
This season, Calgary’s defense ranked last in allowed rushing yards (2,260), eighth in points allowed (527), net offense yards allowed (6,861), third in passing yards allowed (4,850), tied-seventh in sacks (32), and tied for fourth in interceptions (15).
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be named Head Coach of the Edmonton Elks and I’m incredibly excited to put our vision into action,” said Kilam. “The EE are an icon of the CFL and I couldn’t be more proud to represent the Green and Gold, Edmonton, and all of Northern Alberta.”
“I’m looking forward to connecting with the players and the community. I can’t wait to get to work and begin laying the foundation for success.”
