on 2 july 2012 kilbane joined coventry city on an initial one-year deal. on his debut against dagenham & redbridge in the league cup on 14 august 2012., he scored a late winner from the penalty spot. on 16 august 2012, kilbane was named captain for the 2012–13 coventry city's season. he made his final professional appearance as a substitute in a 2–1 defeat at brentford on 24 october 2012 before announcing his immediate retirement on 8 december 2012.