Edmonton Elks hire longtime Stampeders assistant Mark Kilam as head coach

By The Canadian Press on December 2, 2024.

Mark Kilam has been hired as the new head coach of the Edmonton Elks, the team announced Monday.The Elks unveil their new name and logo at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

EDMONTON – Mark Kilam has been hired as the new head coach of the Edmonton Elks, the team announced Monday.

Kilam, a University of Alberta graduate, returns to Edmonton after spending 20 years with the Calgary Stampeders, where he held various coaching roles, including special teams coordinator since 2010.

He also served as the Stamps’ assistant head coach since 2019.

The 45-year-old was part of three Grey Cup championship teams in Calgary (2008, 2014, and 2018).

The Edmonton-born Kilam replaces Jarious Jackson, who served as interim head coach after Chris Jones was let go after losing five straight games to start the season.

Jackson stabilized the team and led it to a 7-6 record the rest of the way – but it was not enough to challenge for a playoff spot.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 2, 2024.