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“You’ve always got to be evolving.”

But the coaching racket is no picture of security. “Pretty transient,” is Kilam’s apt description.

But, without the need for moving vans, he has persisted for more than a decade – through the head-coaching reigns of Tom Higgins and John Hugnagel, and now into the opening chapter of Dave Dickenson’s.

“I try to think of it in terms of, ‘Am I doing good enough work to keep my job?’ ” says Kilam, 37. “The organization has been so stable, that’s the single biggest reason for the longevity. I’ve been fortunate – I’ve been allowed to grow and learn from mistakes.”

He’s been twice sized for championship rings – Grey Cups in 2008 and 2014 – without ever having to ply his trade outside of his home province.

That scenario seems ready-made. Obvious, even.

After all, he grew up two hours south of Calgary, in Lethbridge. He played university ball three hours north, for the Alberta Golden Bears. So, at a glance, this is exactly how his life was supposed to play out.

But fate – and a wonky right knee – had a sizeable say, too.

Because of (his third) surgery, Kilam was unable to suit up for his fifth season of college eligibility. What he was able to do, however, was fulfill his practicum obligation.

Which is how he came to be in Calgary, developing a football program at Peak Power Sport Development.

Which is how he attracted the attention of Bruce O’Neill at Cochrane High School.

Which is how he ended up on the coaching staff of the ever-mighty Cobras.