Edmonton Elks extend head coach Mark Kilam

Photo: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks have signed head coach Mark Kilam to a contract extension through the 2029 season, the team announced on Wednesday. He was previously under contract through 2027.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead the Edmonton Elks into the future,” said Kilam in a statement. “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 is finishing his second year with the Elks, and has helped the team to its best season in a decade. Edmonton earned a playoff berth for the first time since 2019 and finished atop the West Division for the first time since 2015. He has gone 20-16 since he was hired.

“Mark has done an outstanding job coaching this football team,” Elks vice-president of football operations and general manager Ed Hervey. “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.”

The native of Lethbridge, Alta. joined the Calgary Stampeders in 2005 as the team’s strength and conditioning coach and defensive assistant. He was promoted to special teams coordinator in 2010 and earned the assistant head coach role in 2019. Calgary won three Grey Cups during Kilam’s tenure with the team, which ended after the 2024 season.

The Edmonton Elks (13-5) are on bye until the West Final, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 7. The team will host the winner of the West Semi-Final between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and B.C. Lions.