MEDIA RELEASE | Elks extend Head Coach Mark Kilam through the 2029 season

EDMONTON ​ – Fresh off leading the Edmonton Elks to their best regular season in over a decade, Head Coach Mark Kilam has been extended through the 2029 season.

"Mark has done an outstanding job coaching this football team," Elks VP of Football Operations & General Manager Ed Hervey said. "From day one, he brought discipline, resilience, and a clear direction for our players. The progress on the field is a direct reflection of his leadership. We are excited to have him continue to lead our team."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead the Edmonton Elks into the future," Kilam said. "It's an honour to be the head coach of the Green and Gold and I want to express my sincerest gratitude to Deb and the entire Thompson Family, Chris Morris, and Ed Hervey for continuing to believe in me and what we are building here. None of this is possible without the hard work and dedication of our coaches, players and support staff. I am proud of the program we are building, and I believe the best is yet to come."

The 47-year-old was originally hired by the club in December of 2024, becoming the 25th head coach in franchise history. A long-time special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, the Lethbridge, Alberta product brought his player-focused leadership style to the Double E and has helped elevate the franchise back to the top of the CFL's West Division.

In his first season leading the Green and Gold, Kilam helped lay the foundation for the team's on-field resurgence. Edmonton finished the 2025 season with a 7-11 record, but won six of their final 11 games and recorded their first winning record at home since 2019. In his second season at the helm, Kilam led the Elks to a West Division best 13-5 record, including an impressive 8-1 home record — with both marks representing the Club's best results since the 2015 season.

Kilam brought playoff football back to Edmonton, with Saturday, Nov. 7's Western Final the Elks first playoff berth since 2019 and first home playoff game since 2015.

In two full seasons as the Edmonton Elks head coach, Kilam has compiled a 20-16 regular season record (0.556 win percentage), including a 13-5 record at Commonwealth.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY:

Elks VP of Football Operations & General Manager Ed Hervey and Head Coach Mark Kilam will be made available to the media at approximately 11:35 am following Wednesday's practice.

For any other media inquiries, please contact Elks Manager of Communications and Content Strategy Michael Arcuri

MARK KILAM COACHING HISTORY:

EDMONTON ELKS

The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.

The club, officially renamed the Elks in June of 2021, has a tradition of excellence having won 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015). Since its founding, the club remains focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.

Elks Football… Always Edmonton

Michael Arcuri

Manager, Football Communications and Player Relations, Edmonton Elks Football Club

• m.arcuri@goelks.com
• 780-691-4442

• goelks.com
• @arcurimike