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Coach Mark Kilam Leads Edmonton Elks Turnaround
Mark Kilam was appointed head coach of the Edmonton Elks in December 2024 after a 20‑year tenure with the Calgary Stampeders, primarily as special‑teams coordinator. He had been rejected for five CFL head‑coaching positions before the Elks hired him.
Since taking over, Kilam has driven a cultural shift that lifted the Elks to a 6‑1 record and first place in the West division, a stark contrast to the team’s combined 18‑50 record over the previous four seasons and a stretch of missed playoffs dating back to 2019. Players cite his energy and passion; quarterback Cody Fajardo called Kilam’s impact “incredible,” and general manager Ed Hervey noted that players rally behind his leadership.
The Elks recently defeated defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders 36‑34 on a 57‑yard field‑goal by Vincent Blanchard as they prepare to host the Roughriders again. The turnaround has made the Elks contenders for the upcoming season.
Entities
Cody Fajardo · Ed Hervey · Edmonton Elks · Mark Kilam · Saskatchewan Roughriders
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] General manager Ed Hervey said players praised Kilam's coaching ability, treatment of people, and passion. larongenow.com · lethbridgenewsnow.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Under Kilam, the Edmonton Elks have a 6-1 record and are first in the CFL West division as of July 2026. www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Elks missed the playoffs every season since earning a crossover berth in 2019. larongenow.com · lethbridgenewsnow.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Quarterback Cody Fajardo said Kilam's impact on the team is 'incredible' and that players want to play for him. larongenow.com · lethbridgenewsnow.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mark Kilam was named head coach of the Edmonton Elks in December 2024. larongenow.com · lethbridgenewsnow.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kilam spent 20 years with the Calgary Stampeders, mostly as special teams coordinator, and was turned down five times for CFL head coaching jobs before being hired by the Elks. larongenow.com · lethbridgenewsnow.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Elks had a combined 18-50 record over the four seasons before Kilam. www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Elks edged the Saskatchewan Roughriders 36-34 on a 57-yard field goal by Vincent Blanchard. larongenow.com · lethbridgenewsnow.com