A proud day for Cobras football program

It’s a proud day for the storied Cochrane Cobras football program to hear how one of their own has been named a head coach of a Canadian Football League (CFL) club, even if it’s with the provincial rivals of the Calgary Stampeders.

Today, the Edmonton Elks confirmed Mark Kilam, who started his football coaching career with the Cobras, will be taking over the reins as head coach of Edmonton Elks, confirming rumours that began over the weekend.

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“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,” states Ed Hervey, who recently returned to Edmonton as the Elks vice-president of football operations and general manager.

“Players want to play for Mark, and coaches across the league respect his abilities and approach,” states Hervey. “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.”

While serving as an assistant defensive coach for the Cobras from 2003 to 2005, Kilam was recruited by the Stampeders.

In an interview with Cochrane Now in 2022, Kilam spoke highly of the Cobras program, and how it led to his coaching career in the CFL.

“It’s crazy how life takes you down these paths. If I hadn’t coached in Cochrane, I would have never gotten the Stampeders job in the first place in 2005.”

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The sons of Ted Hellard and John Forzani, then part of the Stamps’ new owner group, were playing for the Cobras and recruited Kilam for the Stamps organization.

“It’s a longer story than that, but that’s how I got my foot in the door with this organization. You never know how it’s going to work out, but that was a fortunate turn in my life.”

Stepping back a few years earlier, Kilam was coached by Bruce O’Neil in the Senior Bowl all-star game in 1997.

Kiliam initially served as strength and conditioning coach and defensive assistant for the Stamps and was promoted to special teams coordinator in 2010. In 2019, he was given the added responsibility of assistant head coach.

He was part of three Grey Cup championship teams in Calgary (2008, 2014, and 2018) and helped Stamps kicker Rene Paredes and returner Roy Finch claim the CFL’s most outstanding special teams player award.

“Mark is an outstanding character and you know it’s a huge testament to who he is to get that position,” says Cobras head coach Tom Knitter. “I think it’s a great fit. We wish Mark and the Edmonton Elks the best as he moves forward.”

Kilam wasn’t coaching the Cobras when Knitter was on the team, but his contribution to the Cobras and Alberta’s football community is well known.

“His time here was awesome, and he still gives us shout-outs when he can,” says Knitter, “He’s a wonderful coach and it’s just nice to see guys like him getting the opportunity.”

Former Cobras coach Rob McNab remembers when Kilam offered his services to the Cobras. Kilam had just graduated and was training athletes at Peak Power when he approached Cobras defensive coordinator Bruce O’Neil. 

“He was there for about three years, and we never lost the game. He was an excellent coach.”

McNab connected briefly with him over the weekend when he heard the rumour.

“He’s waited long enough and he’s an excellent candidate for it,” says McNab. “We’re very proud of him.”

“He’s a confident guy and he knows his stuff inside out. He’s going to work harder than anybody in the CFL.”

Still, it’s going to be tough for some lifelong Stamp fans, like McNab and Knitter, to see him wearing the green and gold.

“I really believe he deserved a shot in Calgary. Obviously, there’s a head coach in place and he’s been there for a while, but I’m personally disappointed that he’s leaving Calgary,” says McNab. “But I’m very excited for him and his family.”

“Yeah, I’m absolutely a big-time Stampeders fan,” says Knitter, “but you know what? I’m going to have to be cheering for Mark for what he and Chris Morris are going to hopefully accomplish up in Edmonton.”