Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Mark Kilam is a Canadian professional football coach who serves as the head coach of the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on April 22, 1979, in Edmonton, Alberta, Kilam grew up in Lethbridge before beginning a successful football coaching career.
He previously spent 20 seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, winning three Grey Cup championships as a member of their coaching staff. In December 2024, he became the 25th head coach in Edmonton franchise history.
Beyond football, Kilam is a married father of two daughters. His wife is Andrea Kilam, and their daughters are Jules and Hennessy. His parents have been identified in biographical reporting as Surender and Jan, both physicians.
Although his coaching career attracts considerable attention, Kilam has also spoken about the importance of family, raising children and maintaining relationships while working in professional football.
Who Is Mark Kilam’s Wife?
Mark Kilam is married to Andrea Kilam. Their marriage has been documented in official Calgary Stampeders coaching biographies and confirmed through interviews with the Edmonton Elks head coach.
Andrea has supported her husband’s professional football career, which has included more than two decades of coaching in the Canadian Football League.
The couple spent many years living in Calgary, where Mark worked as a coach for the Stampeders from 2005 through 2024.
During those years, they raised their two daughters while balancing the demands of professional football with family responsibilities.
When Mark accepted the Edmonton Elks head coaching position in December 2024, the family faced a significant transition after spending approximately two decades in Calgary.
In a September 2025 interview with the Lethbridge Herald, Kilam discussed how difficult the move had been for his family, particularly because his daughters were adjusting to new schools in Edmonton.
Despite the challenges, the family continued supporting his professional ambitions.
Andrea’s relationship with Mark attracted renewed attention during the 2026 Grey Cup preparations.
According to a Canadian Press report published by Sportsnet on November 12, 2026, Andrea supported her husband’s decision to shave his longtime beard and adopt a moustache as part of a team-bonding activity.
Although Mark’s daughters were initially uncomfortable with his new appearance, Andrea reportedly liked the change and understood why he had made it.
While Andrea is publicly identified as Mark’s wife, details about her occupation, education and early life have not been extensively documented.
Does Mark Kilam Have Children?
Yes. Mark Kilam and his wife Andrea have two daughters named Jules and Hennessy.
Their names and ages were confirmed in a November 12, 2026, Canadian Press interview conducted during Grey Cup Media Day in Calgary.
According to the report, Jules was 17 years old and Hennessy was 15 years old in November 2026.
Both daughters have grown up around professional Canadian football, attending team activities and spending time with their father during his coaching career.
Mark Kilam’s Older Daughter: Jules Kilam
Jules is the older daughter of Mark Kilam and his wife Andrea.
She was 17 years old in November 2026, according to the Canadian Press.
Jules spent much of her childhood in Calgary while her father worked with the Calgary Stampeders.
Her family subsequently relocated to Edmonton after Mark became head coach of the Elks.
During Grey Cup Media Day on November 12, 2026, Kilam shared an amusing story about his daughters’ reactions to his new appearance.
He explained that Jules was so accustomed to seeing him with a beard that she initially struggled to look directly at him after he shaved it.
Mark described how the family tries to have dinner together at least once a week despite his demanding football schedule.
Although Jules has been mentioned publicly by her father, further details about her education and personal life remain private.
Mark Kilam’s Younger Daughter: Hennessy Kilam
Hennessy is the younger daughter of Mark and Andrea Kilam.
She was 15 years old in November 2026, according to the Canadian Press.
Like her older sister, Hennessy grew up around the Canadian Football League and became familiar with her father’s work as a professional coach.
During a November 2, 2026, appearance on The Jason Gregor Show, Mark explained that his younger daughter had never previously seen him without his familiar facial hair.
He later confirmed that Hennessy was also surprised by his decision to shave his beard.
Mark explained that both daughters understood why he had changed his appearance to demonstrate solidarity with his Edmonton Elks players.
Although Hennessy’s name and age have been publicly confirmed, additional details about her personal activities remain private.
How Mark Kilam Balances Fatherhood and Football
Mark Kilam has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of coaching professional football.
During an interview on The Jason Gregor Show on November 2, 2026, he discussed the importance of allowing players and coaches to spend time with their families during the CFL season.
He explained that some of his most meaningful memories involved his daughters attending Calgary Stampeders practices and team activities when they were younger.
These experiences encouraged him to introduce family-friendly opportunities within the Edmonton Elks organization.
Under his leadership, the team began allowing players’ spouses, partners and children to attend certain team walkthroughs.
Kilam explained that professional football requires significant personal sacrifices and that creating opportunities for family interaction can help strengthen the team.
He also acknowledged that his daughters had grown older and were now teenagers, making those earlier family memories especially meaningful.
His approach to coaching reflects his belief that a successful organization should support players and their families beyond the football field.
Who Are Mark Kilam’s Parents?
Mark Kilam was born in Edmonton, Alberta, before growing up in Lethbridge, where he attended Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.
Public biographical accounts identify his parents as Surender and Jan Kilam, both of whom worked in medicine.
The names are recorded in biographical references citing a November 22, 2018, Edmonton Sun article by journalist Jim Matheson. More recent reporting independently confirms that Mark’s father was a physician, although the original account identifying both parents by name was not independently accessible for verification.
Mark Kilam’s Father: Surender Kilam
Surender Kilam is identified as Mark Kilam’s father in published biographical references.
He reportedly worked as a medical doctor, a background consistent with reporting about Mark’s childhood in Lethbridge.
In September 2025, longtime CFL journalist Graham Kelly published an interview with Mark Kilam in the Lethbridge Herald.
The article explained that Kilam credited his physician father with teaching him the importance of hard work.
Although Mark eventually pursued a career in football rather than medicine, he carried those lessons into his professional life.
He became known for his demanding work ethic, careful preparation and willingness to develop his coaching abilities through different positions.
Additional information about his father’s personal life and professional career has not been extensively documented in accessible sports reporting.
Mark Kilam’s Mother: Jan Kilam
Jan Kilam is identified as Mark Kilam’s mother in published biographical accounts, which also describe her as a medical professional.
Although detailed information about her career is limited, Mark has publicly acknowledged his mother’s continued interest in his coaching achievements.
During a December 2, 2024, Canadian Press interview following his appointment as Edmonton Elks head coach, Kilam discussed the messages he received from former players and colleagues.
He explained that he did not regularly use social media, so his mother would send him screenshots of positive comments people had posted about him.
His wife Andrea also helped share those messages.
Kilam said that hearing from people he had coached reinforced the importance of the relationships he had developed throughout his career.
The episode illustrates how his mother continued supporting his professional journey long after his early football-playing years.
Does Mark Kilam Have Siblings?
There is insufficient verified public information establishing whether Mark Kilam has any biological brothers or sisters.
Most of the available interviews focus on his wife, daughters, parents and professional football career.
Does Mark Kilam Have a Brother?
Mark Kilam has not publicly identified a brother through the reliable football biographies and established interviews reviewed.
Although he has developed close relationships with fellow coaches and football players, those professional connections do not establish biological family relationships.
Consequently, whether he has one or more brothers remains publicly unconfirmed.
Does Mark Kilam Have a Sister?
There is also no sufficiently verified public information confirming whether Mark Kilam has a sister.
His official coaching biographies do not provide a complete account of his siblings.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to describe him as an only child without additional reliable confirmation.
Mark Kilam’s Family Background and Early Life
Mark Kilam was born on April 22, 1979, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
He grew up in Lethbridge, where he attended Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and played football for the school’s Rams program.
During high school, he competed as both a running back and linebacker, developing an understanding of several aspects of the game.
He graduated from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute in 1997 before enrolling at the University of Alberta.
At Alberta, Kilam played linebacker for the Golden Bears from 1997 through 2001 and served as a team captain.
He completed a Bachelor of Physical Education degree, majoring in sport and performance.
After graduating, Kilam began pursuing coaching opportunities in southern Alberta.
He worked with the Cochrane Cobras high school football program from 2002 through 2005, helping the team win three provincial championships.
He also coached on the defensive staff of the Southern Alberta All-Star Team during the Provincial Senior Bowl.
Mark Kilam’s Coaching Career
Mark Kilam joined the Calgary Stampeders in 2005 as a strength and conditioning coach.
He gradually assumed additional defensive coaching responsibilities before becoming the team’s linebackers coach.
In 2010, he became Calgary’s special teams coordinator, a position he held through the 2024 season.
His work helped the Stampeders develop one of the Canadian Football League’s consistently competitive special teams units.
During his time with Calgary, he contributed to three Grey Cup championships in 2008, 2014 and 2018.
In 2019, Kilam received the additional title of assistant head coach.
After spending 20 seasons with Calgary, he left the organization following the 2024 season.
On December 2, 2024, the Edmonton Elks officially announced him as their new head coach.
His first season in Edmonton ended with a 7-11 regular-season record, but the team made substantial progress during his second year.
In 2026, Kilam led Edmonton to a 13-5 regular-season record and first place in the CFL West Division.
The Elks subsequently advanced to the 113th Grey Cup, where they were scheduled to face the Montreal Alouettes on November 15, 2026, in Calgary.
On October 28, 2026, Edmonton announced a contract extension keeping Kilam as head coach through the 2029 season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark Kilam’s Family
Who is Mark Kilam’s wife?
Mark Kilam is married to Andrea Kilam. Their marriage is documented in official CFL coaching biographies and confirmed through his public interviews.
Does Mark Kilam have children?
Yes. Mark Kilam and his wife Andrea have two daughters named Jules and Hennessy.
How old are Mark Kilam’s daughters?
According to a Canadian Press report published on November 12, 2026, Jules was 17 years old and Hennessy was 15 years old.
Who is Mark Kilam’s father?
Biographical references identify his father as Surender Kilam. Contemporary reporting also confirms that his father worked as a physician and influenced Mark’s work ethic.
Who is Mark Kilam’s mother?
His mother is identified as Jan Kilam in published biographical accounts. Mark has also mentioned that his mother shares social media messages about his coaching achievements with him.
Does Mark Kilam have a brother?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Mark Kilam has a brother.
Does Mark Kilam have a sister?
There is no verified public information identifying a sister of Mark Kilam.
Where is Mark Kilam from?
Mark Kilam was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up in Lethbridge, where he attended Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.
Where did Mark Kilam play college football?
Mark Kilam played linebacker for the University of Alberta Golden Bears from 1997 through 2001.
How many Grey Cups has Mark Kilam won?
Mark Kilam won three Grey Cup championships as a member of the Calgary Stampeders coaching staff, in 2008, 2014 and 2018.
What team does Mark Kilam coach?
Mark Kilam serves as head coach of the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League. His contract was extended through the 2029 season.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
