Mark Killam is the new head coach of the Edmonton Elks.
Killam had been with the Stampeders organization for 20 seasons and was most recently the CFL team’s assistant head coach and special teams coordinator.
A former team captain of the University of Alberta Golden Bears, where he played linebacker from 1997-2001, the 45-year-old from Lethbridge is returning to the capital region to become the next head coach — and the first hired in the Larry Thompson era of private ownership — of the Edmonton Elks.
The Elks have failed to qualify for the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, finishing with a 7-11 record in 2024. Head coach and general manager Chris Jones was fired after a 0-5 start with offensive coordinator Jarious Jackson taking the interim head coach role to end the season.
“Mark has been preparing for the opportunity to be a CFL head coach for years and brings not only a wealth of experience, but tremendous enthusiasm to everything he does,” said Elks Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Ed Hervey.
“Players want to play for Mark, and coaches across the league respect his abilities and approach. We’re all excited to benefit from Mark’s energy and the collective strength of the coaching staff we’re working to assemble. I know he’s the right person for this job and this moment, as we build a championship organization.”
