Mark Kilam ‘where I’m supposed to be’ as Edmonton Elks head coach
Mark Kilam admits he's sentimental about his first Grey Cup as a head coach in a city he called home for 20 years — but it pales compared to his pride over Edmonton's resurgence.
Mark Kilam, the newly appointed head coach of the Edmonton Elks, is looking forward to his first Grey Cup appearance. The Elks are aiming to win their first CFL title since 2015, and Kilam's decision to focus more on the team's overall performance has paid off. During his time working as an assistant coach with the Calgary Stampeders, Kilam spent a significant amount of time on special teams, but he realized the importance of being involved in all aspects of the game.
This change led to the team's success, as they finished the 2024 season with an 8-1 record and made it to the West Division final. Kilam's return to Edmonton is meaningful, as he spent 20 years in the city before becoming a head coach. He is particularly proud of the resurgence in team pride, which is evident in the city's support for the Elks.
Kilam is now one of three finalists for the CFL's 2026 coach of the year award, alongside Jason Maas of the Montreal Alouettes and Buck Pierce of the B.C. Lions.
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