What were the Edmonton Elks going to do with their coaching staff? A team that matched every top 3 finish they had in cumulative offensive statistics with a a bottom 3 finish in defensive statistics, the status quo did not seem the correct the path. With notes excerpted from 3downnation.com, let's take a quick look at the path the Green and Gold chose.

Mark Kilam

"During Mark Kilam's time with the Red and White, he helped develop kicker Rene Paredes into a five-time CFL all-star and 2013 Most Outstanding Special Teams award winner. Rob Maver was a two-time CFL all-star punter. Roy Finch won the 2017 Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award. Kilam’s special teams set the benchmark in the three-down league for over a decade."

• NOTE : When looking at Mark Kilam's body of work in Alberta, it's easy to see why he chose Edmonton as his new home, or even home-again. The University of Alberta product played linebacker for the Golden Bears before embarking on a journey with the Calgary Stampeders, lasting 18 years in the little town by the Bow before ringing his talents to the Double E.

Jordan Maksymic 

"Maksymic has been the B.C. Lions’ offensive coordinator for the past four seasons, helping Canadian QB Nathan Rourke and veteran Vernon Adams Jr. reach new heights with an explosive passing attack."

• NOTE: Hailing from St. Albert Alberta, Maksymic returns to the Green and Gold for a second time, a resume that includes multiple teams and generational quarterbacks. Michael Reilly and Nathan Rourke can vouch for Maksymic's football knowhow, giving fans some excitement for his return to Edmonton.

J.C. Sherritt

"Sherritt spent the 2024 season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, serving as linebackers coach and run game coordinator. Along with head coach and defensive coordinator Corey Mace, he led the league’s toughest run defence with an average of 80.3 rushing yards allowed per game."

• NOTE: It's hard not to be excited for the return of JC Sherritt, who also took opportunities across the league and even North America before returning to his former team, a championship ring to show for his efforts during his last tenure as a player.

Cautiously Optimistic

Jake Julien stats aside, the Calgary Stampeders special teams were all markedly better than the Elks. Our new head coach is well versed in this department. Whomever the Elks quarterbacks are heading into 2025, the new OC had aided Nathan Rourke spring boarding to the NFL and rejuvenating Vernon Adams Jr as notches in his belt. Sherritt was all of two weeks retired from his playing career when he signed on to be the linebackers coach in Calgary in 2019 so him coming "home" is not just a heartwarming, it is deserved.

Now for the all pesky free agency situations...