Major Announcement from the Edmonton Elks

From Last Place to First

The Edmonton Elks have decided to reward the architect of their spectacular turnaround. The team announced Friday that it had granted a contract extension to its vice president of football operations and general manager, Ed Hervey. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Returning to Edmonton in November 2024 for a second stint as head of football operations, Hervey has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. In one year, he has led the Elks from last place to first place in the Western Association, with a 13-5 record this season.

As reported by RDS, this turnaround is all the more impressive given that the team had missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. The GM did not hesitate to make sweeping changes: only 18 players from the roster he inherited remain on the team.

Elks President and CEO Chris Morris noted that Hervey had taken on an extremely challenging task upon his return to an organization proud of its history and accustomed to very high expectations. For his part, Hervey stated that the fans deserve a winning team and that the organization will do everything in its power to bring the Grey Cup back to Edmonton.

A Welcome Sense of Stability Ahead of the Playoffs

This announcement comes two days after head coach Mark Kilam's contract was extended, keeping him with the team through the end of the 2029 season. The Elks are thus banking on stability in their leadership as they prepare for a pivotal moment.

On November 7, Edmonton will host its first home playoff game since 2015. The Elks will host the Western Conference Final and face the winner of the matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the British Columbia Lions.

Ed Hervey is no stranger to success in Edmonton. He served as general manager of the Eskimos—the team's former name—from 2013 to 2016, a period during which the team won the Grey Cup in 2015. He also held that position with the British Columbia Lions (2018–2019) and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2024). In his career, he has an 81–81 record as a general manager in the CFL.

Before taking on management roles, Hervey played eight seasons as a wide receiver with the Eskimos. He therefore has a very strong connection to the organization.

With stable leadership and a team that has reclaimed its place among the elite, the Elks could very well represent the West in the next Grey Cup. For Ed Hervey, this new contract confirms that his rebuilding plan has paid off sooner than expected.

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