Kilam’s culture change fuels Elks’ resurgence

When Mark Kilam took over as head coach of the Edmonton Elks in December 2024, his office lacked even a projector for game film. Nineteen months later, Kilam has orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, guiding the Elks to a 6-1 record and the top spot in the Canadian Football League (CFL). This success stands in stark contrast to the team's previous four seasons, where they managed a combined 18-50 record.

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Starting from there, to changing the narrative around the football team with the media, to changing the culture inside the room, to changing the perception of players across the league for what Edmonton football is going to be, there were a lot of things (that had to change).

Kilam emphasizes that the transformation goes far beyond mere wins and losses. "Starting from there," Kilam reflected on his first day, "to changing the narrative around the football team with the media, to changing the culture inside the room, to changing the perception of players across the league for what Edmonton football is going to be, there were a lot of things (that had to change)."

As the Elks prepare to host the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Kilam has become the embodiment of Edmonton's resurgence. Quarterback Cody Fajardo, who joined mid-season last year, described Kilam's impact as "incredible." "He's one of the most motivated coaches I've ever been around," Fajardo said. "The way he gets us fired up for the games … and challenging guys to be better speaks to the leadership that he has over the team. Guys want to play for him."

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He's one of the most motivated coaches I've ever been around. The way he gets us fired up for the games … and challenging guys to be better speaks to the leadership that he has over the team. Guys want to play for him.

Running back Justin Rankin attributes the Elks' success to Kilam's relentless drive for improvement. "The passion and the standard that he brings, like some days we can have a great practice, and he's like, we've got to be better," Rankin explained. "We just had a great practice, but he's like, we have to be better. And that's what it is because if we want to win a Grey Cup … we have to get a lot better."

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The passion and the standard that he brings, like some days we can have a great practice, and he's like, we've got to be better. We just had a great practice, but he's like, we have to be better. And that's what it is because if we want to win a Grey Cup … we have to get a lot better.

Offensive lineman Mark Korte noted the contagious nature of the coach's enthusiasm. "He brings a lot of energy when he comes in every day," Korte said. "He certainly cares, and it rubs off on the guys. You've got a head coach who starts every day with energy and that kind of zest for the day. Guys feed off that for sure." General manager Ed Hervey, who heard extensive positive feedback about Kilam's coaching ability, people skills, and passion before hiring him, stated, "He's proven so far that the players rally behind him. His energy is everything that I expected, and his positive approach daily is definitely refreshing. He comes to work every day with a renewed passion for getting better."

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He brings a lot of energy when he comes in every day. He certainly cares, and it rubs off on the guys. You've got a head coach who starts every day with energy and that kind of zest for the day. Guys feed off that for sure.