After two straight seasons of continuity within the coaching staff, the Calgary Stampeders will have a new flavour in 2010.
The CFL team announced yesterday fifth-year special-teams co-ordinator Craig Dickenson has stepped down, causing a shuffle within the group.
Linebackers coach Mark Kilam has received a promotion to replace Dickenson as the special teams coach, while video assistant Brent Monson gets added to the staff as a defensive assistant.
After the Stamps won the Grey Cup in 2008, they didn't lose anyone from the coaching staff and added former quarterback Dave Dickenson as an offensive assistant.
Craig Dickenson spent seven seasons with the Stamps, starting his current stint as running backs and receivers coach in 2004 before taking over special teams in 2005.
"It's disappointing to lose Craig because he's a very good, very experienced coach," Stamps GM/head coach John Hufnagel said.
"But I respect his decision to take a year off from football and he'll continue to help us as we move forward.
"I'm extremely happy to be able to fill Craig's position and the subsequent vacancy by promoting from within. Mark has been with the club for five years. He and Brent are young, Canadian coaches who are eager and capable."
Kilam started with the Stamps as strength and conditioning co-ordinator in 2005 before adding defensive quality control to his duties and then linebackers in 2007 when defensive co-ordinator Denny Creehan was fired.
He hands over strength and conditioning duties to Monson.
"I'm really excited to be able to progress within this organization," said Kilam. "I'm just looking forward to 2010."
Craig Dickenson will stay with the Stamps as a consultant through the winter.
"I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family and embarking on some new adventures," Craig Dickenson said.
