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| James Kilian |
James Kilian, who spent the last three seasons as offensive coordinator at St. Thomas, was named head football coach at St. Olaf on Thursday, Dec. 22.
Kilian replaces Craig Stern, who was relieved of his duties in November following the Oles' 2-8 finish. St. Olaf was 6-34 in four seasons under Stern.
"On behalf of the St. Olaf College community, I am thrilled to welcome James, his wife Jenelle and their two boys to the hill," said athletic director Ryan Bowles. "We began the search looking for a candidate with qualities that aligned with our vision for the football program and throughout the process it became clear James was the perfect fit."
Kilian spent two seasons at Carleton as receivers coach in 2012 and as offensive coordinator in 2013. He came to Carleton after a one-year stint at LSU, where he was an offensive assistant in 2011. The Tigers were finished the year 13-1 with the only loss in the BCS championship game.
"My family and I are excited to join the Ole family," Kilian said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to lead the St. Olaf football program."
Kilian began his coaching career as an offensive coordinator at Del City High School in Oklahoma. He then spent two seasons at his alma mater, Tulsa, as a graduate assistant and then as quarterbacks coach.
"James brings with him an outstanding resume, having worked in the MIAC a number of years and is the right coach and person to lead our program," Bowles said. "Today is a great day to be an Ole."
In his three seasons at St. Thomas, the Tommies collected a 34-5 record and a 22-2 mark in MIAC play. UST reached the NCAA playoffs in each season, including a national title game appearance in 2015. "I want to extend my gratitude to the St. Thomas football staff and athletic department for an amazing three years, and to Coach Caruso for his mentorship," he said.
A native of Medford, Okla., Kilian was a standout quarterback at Tulsa. He amassed 36 career touchdowns and 4,865 career passing yards in his four collegiate seasons. A seventh-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2005, his five-year professional career had stops with the Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Hamburg of NFL Europe, Nashville in the Arena League and Winnipeg of the CFL.
Kilian and his wife Jenelle have two children, James (3) and John (1).