Mark Kilam among 3 Stamps coaches relieved of duties

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders announced on Wednesday that special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Mark Kilam, defensive coordinator Brent Monson and defensive line coach Juwan Simpson would not be retained for the 2025 season.

The team said that further announcements regarding the football operations staff will be made at a later date.

The news comes after Stampeders team president Jay McNeil said on Monday that general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson's job was safe, after the team finished 5-12-1 and missed the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/10/30/mark-kilam-among-3-stamps-coaches-relieved-of-duties/

[blue_gold_84]

That's crazy. Mark Kilam is one of the best ST coaches in the game.

[dd]

I don't know why Dickie's job is safe, he's the problem there!! But I can see them cleaning house and hitting the reset button there, they were awful this year

[The Zipp]

hufnagel and DD are close..he will get another opportunity to right the ship

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

That's crazy. Mark Kilam is one of the best ST coaches in the game.

Making room for brother Craig! 

Actually shocked Dickie is hanging onto both GM and HC jobs, he must have a poor sense of self-preservation.

[dd]

Wow, Killam has been with the Stamps for 20 years and he's cut loose!! I can see relieve him of his assistant HC duties, but outright cut him--there must have been a fall out with Dickie Doo

[GOLDMEMBER]

Kilam will get hired somewhere quickly.

[ichabod_crane]

Not surprised Dickie Dee sticks around. I predicted this weeks if not months ago he would be safe for one more season. He has his one mulligan now. Next year if it's this bad again, even Huffy can't save him.

Kilam always touted as the next head coach for years now. Must have been a falling out OR he asked to be released to get a shot elsewhere. Maybe Edmonton or Hamilton looking for new head coaches for next year. Maybe even BC if the head coach and owner clash about the starting QB debate!

[theaardvark]

Releasing Killam had to be because of internal strife of Dickenson hanging around.  Only so long you can be "Assistant HC", and not get promoted. 

I can see him getting a shot in MTL or HAM, with the incumbents moving up.  If SSK blows the playoffs, maybe even Mace gets let go.  Would be hilarious to see him on the ESK's sidelines...

He will be at least an Assistant HC next year somewhere, maybe even looks south of the border...

But he does really need to get a new hairstylist.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Releasing Killam had to be because of internal strife of Dickenson hanging around.  Only so long you can be "Assistant HC", and not get promoted. 

I can see him getting a shot in MTL or HAM, with the incumbents moving up.  If SSK blows the playoffs, maybe even Mace gets let go.  Would be hilarious to see him on the ESK's sidelines...

He will be at least an Assistant HC next year somewhere, maybe even looks south of the border...

But he does really need to get a new hairstylist.

I dunno, one think you can say about the Stamps ST's over the last decade is they were never that special, other than Paredes.

[blue_gold_84]

...maybe even Mace gets let go.

Not a chance. He'll get another year in Riderville.

[markf]

These moves make me smile.

Dave D wikipedia page:

"Because of all his success Dickenson won the Annis Stukus Trophy for coach of the year."

lol who wrote that?

😂

[theaardvark]

These moves make me smile.

Dave D wikipedia page:

"Because of all his success Dickenson won the Annis Stukus Trophy for coach of the year."

lol who wrote that?

😂

The CFL Coach of the Year trophy is named after Annis Stukus, former CFL player and coach, and the first GM of the WHL Jets... 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annis_Stukus

[TecnoGenius]

Wow!  Just wow!

Total gong show in CGY.  They are scapegoating all of the good guys that held that team up, and keeping all of the doorknobs that have dragged the team down.

Killam was so loyal and so patient because he was virtually assured the HC job.  Now they stole it from him (or he decided he didn't want to wait anymore).

No one will take any "gentleman's agreement" with Dickenson The Greater or Huff ever again.  Not that it will matter much as one or both may get fired after another garbage year in 2025...

If they just install Dickenson The Lesser as ST coach instead, the sleazy stink coming out of CGY will be detectable all the way to PEI.  Maybe they'll just loot the team of funds before leaving it in a hopeless shambles in 1 year.

Now, who needs a HC?  Killam on the market.  Unfortunately for him, I think all HC jobs are secure this FA.

[TecnoGenius]

I dunno, one think you can say about the Stamps ST's over the last decade is they were never that special, other than Paredes.

They have been a lot like us without Grant: pedestrian.  Not fumbly, but not big yards.

Basically like every other team that doesn't FA or scout a legit, non-aged-out returner.  (There's usually only ever 1-3 good returners in the CFL at any given time, so most teams won't have one.)

[TecnoGenius]

But he does really need to get a new hairstylist.

Hey, I like his 90's Fabio look!  I never liked it on Fabio, but it works for Killam.  It's his trademark.  Besides, he's clearly trying to impress the ladies with that hair and manicured goatee.  Dude must still be single.

[ModAdmin]

That's crazy. Mark Kilam is one of the best ST coaches in the game.
[/quote

Wow, Killam has been with the Stamps for 20 years and he's cut loose!! I can see relieve him of his assistant HC duties, but outright cut him--there must have been a fall out with Dickie Doo

Fall with DD is my guess too.

[TecnoGenius]

I dunno.  It reeks of what SSK did last FA: they fired most everyone because they had to appear to be "doing something", but they left behind probably the main cause of all the problems: JOD.

They have to appear to be "doing something" because otherwise they can't placate the rabidly angry fans who are just about to quit.  They fire the nobodies or even the good people and say "look, we're doing drastic things! renew your STs!".

Ya, this is that.  Dickenson The Greater has been making bad decisions as GM, and horrific decisions as HC for at least 2 seasons now.  He makes non-book decisions/gambles in-game that leave the entire CFL fan base baffled and they fail 99% of the time.  He is completely hopeless and should be fired.

This is window dressing and I fully expect CGY to be bottom of the league again in 2025.

[dd]

Hey, I like his 90's Fabio look!  I never liked it on Fabio, but it works for Killam.  It's his trademark.  Besides, he's clearly trying to impress the ladies with that hair and manicured goatee.  Dude must still be single.

He looks like a caveman!!

[Jesse]

Wow!  Just wow!

Total gong show in CGY.  They are scapegoating all of the good guys that held that team up, and keeping all of the doorknobs that have dragged the team down.

Killam was so loyal and so patient because he was virtually assured the HC job.  Now they stole it from him (or he decided he didn't want to wait anymore).

No one will take any "gentleman's agreement" with Dickenson The Greater or Huff ever again.  Not that it will matter much as one or both may get fired after another garbage year in 2025...

If they just install Dickenson The Lesser as ST coach instead, the sleazy stink coming out of CGY will be detectable all the way to PEI.  Maybe they'll just loot the team of funds before leaving it in a hopeless shambles in 1 year.

Now, who needs a HC?  Killam on the market.  Unfortunately for him, I think all HC jobs are secure this FA.

Not sure where you got that or how you ever expected it to work.

Dave is the HC and is Mark is only a few years younger than him. Seemed like an unlikely scenario.

[dd]

The Stamps talent base has been steadily eroded over the past 5-7 years. They lost some big names to the NFL, then lost recievers, let RD Carey go, cut BLM, and replaced them with nothings/nobodies. Now they have a mess and its personnel.

[TecnoGenius]

Not sure where you got that or how you ever expected it to work.

Because CGY almost always promotes from within.  And The Greater was clearly floundering as a HC.  Just horrific decisions and mental lapses, going all the way back to the 2019 WSF and his challenge of nothing at all on a useless play that gets him basically nothing even if he wins.  And so many 3rd & 1s from the gun recently.

Age has nothing to do with it because both The Greater and Killam are still young enough to have long runs as HC.

And finally, clearly the goal was for Dickenson to move upstairs 100% and Huff retires for good -- as he sure is getting old & decrepit.  The succession was clearly laid out for all to see.  And no one else was there who could challenge Killam for the HC job.

I think CGY braintrust made a really bad decision here, and now when they do have to can The Greater, they'll be stuck looking to outside "alien" help.  It'll probably be a complete shakeup when that happens.  Can the team survive, especially adding in its stadium needs?

Just answer me this: did Killam cause CGY to lose any games this year?  Was he taking timecounts and TOs like Boo was briefly in HAM?  Was he any worse than Mike Miller?  No?  Then this is all window dressing and scapegoating.

[Jesse]

Because CGY almost always promotes from within.  And The Greater was clearly floundering as a HC.  Just horrific decisions and mental lapses, going all the way back to the 2019 WSF and his challenge of nothing at all on a useless play that gets him basically nothing even if he wins.  And so many 3rd & 1s from the gun recently.

Age has nothing to do with it because both The Greater and Killam are still young enough to have long runs as HC.

And finally, clearly the goal was for Dickenson to move upstairs 100% and Huff retires for good -- as he sure is getting old & decrepit.  The succession was clearly laid out for all to see.  And no one else was there who could challenge Killam for the HC job.

I think CGY braintrust made a really bad decision here, and now when they do have to can The Greater, they'll be stuck looking to outside "alien" help.  It'll probably be a complete shakeup when that happens.  Can the team survive, especially adding in its stadium needs?

Just answer me this: did Killam cause CGY to lose any games this year?  Was he taking timecounts and TOs like Boo was briefly in HAM?  Was he any worse than Mike Miller?  No?  Then this is all window dressing and scapegoating.

Did he show through consistent excellence that he was ready for a promotion?

[markf]

The CFL Coach of the Year trophy is named after Annis Stukus, former CFL player and coach, and the first GM of the WHL Jets... 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annis_Stukus

sorry, yeah I know, quoted it cause I thought the phrase "because of all his success" was awkward  and funny...  I guess....I just do not like Dave.

[dd]

sorry, yeah I know, quoted it cause I thought the phrase "because of all his success" was awkward  and funny...  I guess....I just do not like Dave.

You are not alone on that one!!

[TecnoGenius]

Did he show through consistent excellence that he was ready for a promotion?

He was always highly touted by the team and his peers and the media.  His name is always being bandied about when HC jobs come up elsewhere.

And if you assume CGY grooms over the long term to promote from within, who on earth else would it be getting promoted?  Monson?  He's nobody, and was just canned too.  The OC: I can't even name you who it is.

So ya, I still think Killam was the plan.

But don't listen to me, someone should go see what the CGY forum is saying... assuming they have one.

[TecnoGenius]

CalgaryRiderFan @RiderFans has a point:

"
2024 Kilam and Stamps parting ways = 2022 Riders and Maas parting ways, when it comes to "someone had to go"
"

Watch Killam get a HC gig in EDM, HAM or OTT and get to the cup next season     

[TecnoGenius]

I've read rumors this Killam release was initiated by Killam.  If that's true then he probably was the HC-in-waiting but he got tired of waiting.  Or maybe he didn't want to inherit a team in 1-2 more years that is even worse than it is now?

If he got promoted at the worst time and the team flounders for 1-2 seasons he would probably get Claybrooksed.  Not many Prez/GMs(/fanbases!) are willing to give a team 4+ years to lose like we did MOS.

So both things can be true: Killam was the heir, and they released him.

Leaving for a team that is on the upswing (EDM, OTT, HAM) may be the smartest thing for his career.

[TecnoGenius]

That would make the situation like Younger's last year, except in Younger's case we opted to keep & promote him.  Killam is like Younger and insisted he be promoted NOW or he walks.

(This isn't rumor or hyperbole, MOS has stated many times Younger had to be promoted or he was gone.)

IMHO CGY has made a very very bad decision.  And it's so stupid, because everyone could have been happy if they had just moved DD to GM and Killam to HC.

[Jesse]

He was always highly touted by the team and his peers and the media.  His name is always being bandied about when HC jobs come up elsewhere.

And if you assume CGY grooms over the long term to promote from within, who on earth else would it be getting promoted?  Monson?  He's nobody, and was just canned too.  The OC: I can't even name you who it is.

So ya, I still think Killam was the plan.

But don't listen to me, someone should go see what the CGY forum is saying... assuming they have one.

My point is that Dickinson is HC and I don't think the plan was for anyone to be promoted for the time being and when the time came, Kilam wouldn't be an eligible candidate.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

One of the issues in Calgary is the model. It's so hard to be the GM and HC. Their position seems to be the amount of work is manageable as the times one job is the busy the other is quieter, which is fair, but it doesn't account for the very real fact that Dickenson has to point all the flaws out in contract negotiation in February and then try to get that same player to outplay that contract in July.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

One of the issues in Calgary is the model. It's so hard to be the GM and HC. Their position seems to be the amount of work is manageable as the times one job is the busy the other is quieter, which is fair, but it doesn't account for the very real fact that Dickenson has to point all the flaws out in contract negotiation in February and then try to get that same player to outplay that contract in July.

Also there was a lot of reports and evidence of disunity in the Stamps locker room this season, can't see them proceeding along on course as is without addressing that issue. 

As for HC jobs Kilam could apply for, I think both Dyce and Milanovich may have earned one more year for seasons that showed a glimmer of hope of better things to come but will remain on short leashes, so Edm. may be his only option. 

[dd]

Also there was a lot of reports and evidence of disunity in the Stamps locker room this season, can't see them proceeding along on course as is without addressing that issue. 

As for HC jobs Kilam could apply for, I think both Dyce and Milanovich may have earned one more year for seasons that showed a glimmer of hope of better things to come but will remain on short leashes, so Edm. may be his only option. 

The way they handled Maier, I can see that dividing the locker room. Heck he wasn't the greatest but he was head and shoulders better than anything else they had and constantly yanking him made DD look brutal. I can see why players lost respect for him and don't want to play for him. He's part of the problem, yet his job is safe??? I just don't get it. Nothing will change as long as he's hanging around.

[theaardvark]

I've read rumors this Killam release was initiated by Killam.  If that's true then he probably was the HC-in-waiting but he got tired of waiting.  Or maybe he didn't want to inherit a team in 1-2 more years that is even worse than it is now?

If he got promoted at the worst time and the team flounders for 1-2 seasons he would probably get Claybrooksed.  Not many Prez/GMs(/fanbases!) are willing to give a team 4+ years to lose like we did MOS.

So both things can be true: Killam was the heir, and they released him.

Leaving for a team that is on the upswing (EDM, OTT, HAM) may be the smartest thing for his career.

I guess getting his release means no team has to ask permission to talk to him.  If he was ready to leave, this is the more efficient way to do it, I'm guessing.

Doesn't mean he has to come back as a CFL coach, there are always opportunities at the USports level.  Not sure NCAA is an option, he never played south of the border and his "expertise" is in a very 3 down aspect of the game.

[theaardvark]

The way they handled Maier, I can see that dividing the locker room. Heck he wasn't the greatest but he was head and shoulders better than anything else they had and constantly yanking him made DD look brutal. I can see why players lost respect for him and don't want to play for him. He's part of the problem, yet his job is safe??? I just don't get it. Nothing will change as long as he's hanging around.

You have to wonder what kind of contract DD's under, and what incriminating film he has on Huff...

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

The way they handled Maier, I can see that dividing the locker room. Heck he wasn't the greatest but he was head and shoulders better than anything else they had and constantly yanking him made DD look brutal. I can see why players lost respect for him and don't want to play for him. He's part of the problem, yet his job is safe??? I just don't get it. Nothing will change as long as he's hanging around.

Apparently the prolonged spat is between the rookies and the vets, with the rookies refusing to put in the extra work the vets believe is necessary to turn the team around.  What it lead to is rookies making errors all over the field costing the team wins.  In the one game Cameron Dukes walked up to a DB on the sidelines and headbutted him.

[blue_gold_84]

I feel bad for Demerio Houston... He's probably wondering "I left Winnipeg for this!?"

Stampeders organization in shambles.

[theaardvark]

I feel bad for Demerio Houston... He's probably wondering "I left Winnipeg for this!?"

Stampeders organization in shambles.

He left Winnipeg for a paycheck.  This is a job. 

Which is why some players will sign for less to play on a team they like playing for, where it isn't so much "just a job".

[dd]

I feel bad for Demerio Houston... He's probably wondering "I left Winnipeg for this!?"

Stampeders organization in shambles.

I don't feel bad for him at all, he left for more $$, and given there is no playoff money to factor into his salary, I wonder if he'll come out ahead in all of this. There's something to be said for liking the place you work at, and I doubt he likes where he's at now, and I don't see it getting any better as long as Dickie is around.

[blue_gold_84]

He left Winnipeg for a paycheck.  This is a job. 

Which is why some players will sign for less to play on a team they like playing for, where it isn't so much "just a job".

[Blue In BC]

I wonder where Kilam will land and as what. Bombers don't need a new ST coach but Kilam is an experienced coach in other areas. It's too early to determine if we lose anybody in our ranks by choice or otherwise.

In general teams that had losing seasons will be the most probable landing spot.

[theaardvark]

I wonder where Kilam will land and as what. Bombers don't need a new ST coach but Kilam is an experienced coach in other areas. It's too early to determine if we lose anybody in our ranks by choice or otherwise.

In general teams that had losing seasons will be the most probable landing spot.

Doubt we'd see Killam here.  Too many in line for HC ahead of him here.

I think Elks or USports

[Jesse]

Doubt we'd see Killam here.  Too many in line for HC ahead of him here.

I think Elks or USports

He's not a HC candidate, lol.

[dd]

He's not hc material , if he was he'd have been one by now

[DM83]

Dickerson should be coaching in the Billing's HS. Football league. Calgary had a great team a couple years ago, the. Wouldn't sign their guys. Awful management.

[ichabod_crane]

He has one mulligan for this season collapse. Next season it's put up or shut up for Dickie Dee!! GET A QB upgrade is the first priority! 

[TecnoGenius]

I wonder where Kilam will land and as what. Bombers don't need a new ST coach but Kilam is an experienced coach in other areas. It's too early to determine if we lose anybody in our ranks by choice or otherwise.

I'm pretty sure we're set in terms of main coaches/coords.  I think the major Hall shakeup last FA set the stage for stability and plenty of money to go around for 2-3 more seasons.  Certainly through the '25 home GC.

[TecnoGenius]

He's not a HC candidate, lol.

Yet his name is constantly bandied around by media and fans every FA when a HC job is open.  I read a 3down article just 2-3 days ago that mentioned his name in the context of being a HC.

Is 3down dumb?  (Wait... maybe don't answer that...)

He's not hc material , if he was he'd have been one by now

Not if he was promised and groomed for HC in CGY all these years!!  He may actually have *gasp* loyalty to his team!

[ModAdmin]

Yep.  It's been reported numerous time he was the head coach-in waiting in Calgary.  It's entirely possible he asked for his release to pursue other opportunities during the off season.

[dd]

Yep.  It's been reported numerous time he was the head coach-in waiting in Calgary.  It's entirely possible he asked for his release to pursue other opportunities during the off season.

And what exactly would those be?? He was assistant HC in Calgary and that's better than what he's going to get in "other" situations.

[ModAdmin]

And what exactly would those be?? He was assistant HC in Calgary and that's better than what he's going to get in "other" situations.

I said "it's possible".  You would have to ask him why he was let go, or opted to be let go.  The Stamps are a train wreck right now.  Dickinson apparently is being kept on.  Why in the world - after apparent promises he would be the next Head Coach - would he stay with a new commitment made to Dickensen?

[TecnoGenius]

Ya, if Dickenson The Greater has been anointed for another 3+ years, which he probably has, then Killam may have finally burst a blood vessel and decided to bolt for his long-awaited HC spot.

As for "who", there'll be at least 3 teams needing or eyeing a new HC.  He can throw his hat in those rings and go for interviews.  My bet is he already has a whisper deal made with some Prez somewhere.

The beauty of it is, we'll know who's guessing right within a couple of weeks to few months.  Teams won't wait until Apr to change/hire their HC.

[dd]

I said "it's possible".  You would have to ask him why he was let go, or opted to be let go.  The Stamps are a train wreck right now.  Dickinson apparently is being kept on.  Why in the world - after apparent promises he would be the next Head Coach - would he stay with a new commitment made to Dickensen?

Because dickenson has 1 year left at HC max, and I bet he's let go mid season next year as things aren't going to change with him around. Killan could have come in and been HC then. Right now, he'll be st coordinator at best and likely will stay that the rest of his career.

[Blue In BC]

I'm pretty sure we're set in terms of main coaches/coords.  I think the major Hall shakeup last FA set the stage for stability and plenty of money to go around for 2-3 more seasons.  Certainly through the '25 home GC.

Yes but openings elsewhere could be of interest to some of those in our ranks. I don't know that Pierce is a candidate choice elsewhere but that's an example. Younger as well could draw interest. In either case, we can't prevent that if teams consider them as candidates.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Ya, if Dickenson The Greater has been anointed for another 3+ years, which he probably has, then Killam may have finally burst a blood vessel and decided to bolt for his long-awaited HC spot.

As for "who", there'll be at least 3 teams needing or eyeing a new HC.  He can throw his hat in those rings and go for interviews.  My bet is he already has a whisper deal made with some Prez somewhere.

The beauty of it is, we'll know who's guessing right within a couple of weeks to few months.  Teams won't wait until Apr to change/hire their HC.

I say only one team hiring a HC, please list them?

[theaardvark]

Every time he was in the mix for HC consideration, there was someone that fit better... but he's really run out the clock sitting waiting behind DD and Huff...

Not sure if he's going to have to take a STC job somewhere else and earn a new shot.

[dd]

Edmonton will be looking for a new HC, and Ottawa SHOULD be looking for a new HC..Dyce's decision to do the onside kick to end the 1st half was straight incompetence and arguably the turning point in that game.

[Blue In BC]

I say only one team hiring a HC, please list them?

Edmonton, Hamilton and an outside chance of Vancouver ( 2 years left on contract ). Even  Ottawa is not outside consideration IMO.

[dd]

Hamilton is getting rid of Milanovich??

And I can't see BC eating 2 years of Campbell's contract and having anything left to hire someone else

[TecnoGenius]

Hamilton is getting rid of Milanovich??

And I can't see BC eating 2 years of Campbell's contract and having anything left to hire someone else

That's why I said "possible".  Those guys aren't resting easy at night, and maybe more.

I'd say the only perfectly safe and happy HCs right now are the 4 that are making it into the division finals.

[TecnoGenius]

Because dickenson has 1 year left at HC max, and I bet he's let go mid season next year as things aren't going to change with him around. Killan could have come in and been HC then. Right now, he'll be st coordinator at best and likely will stay that the rest of his career.

I'm not sure.  This latest cleansing in CGY with Dickenson surviving may be much like the JOD situation in SSK: it may be a signal from the higher ups that the guy is safe for another 2-4 year stint to right the ship.

You burn the witches and then hope nobody notices the main clown is still in place.