Toronto Argonauts: What does Anthony Calvillo brings as new QB coach?
It has reported that former Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo will join the Toronto Argonauts as the new quarterbacks’ coach.
For years, Anthony Calvillo would terrorize opposing defences through the air, something the Toronto Argonauts know first hand. Now he is rumoured to be the latest addition to the coaching staff from Montreal, as Justin Dunk of 3downnation.com reported that Calvillo will become the new quarterbacks’ coach.
The 45-year-old is expected to reunite with former GM Jim Popp and head coach Marc Trestman as the Argonauts prepare to defend their 2017 Grey Cup title. Once confirmed, Calvillo will replace Marcus Brady, who took a job with the Indianapolis Colts.
TSN’s Dave Naylor reported that Tommy Condell will likely take over as the team’s offensive coordinator, which would make the most sense given his experience with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
So why would Calvillo be the right fit in Toronto? Well, his familiarity with Trestman and the success they shared together would be an ideal match. The three-time Grey Cup was reportedly looking for a fresh start, according to Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette.
"“I still want to coach,” Calvillo told the Montreal Gazette, “but the last three years have been challenging. I don’t like the way I’ve been feeling."
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It has been a tough time for the Alouettes, which would explain Calvillo’s desire to seek new opportunities. Also, the chance to coach future hall of famer Ricky Ray and a potential rising star in James Franklin would be tough to pass up.
In Montreal, Calvillo has never coached a quarterback with the talent and track record that Ray has. That should benefit Ray considering how efficient Calvillo was as a player, even at an older age.
Calvillo played 20 seasons in the CFL (16 in Montreal) and finished his career at the age of 41. At the time he was the passing leader among pro football players with 79,816 yards and third in touchdowns with 455. Ray is 10th with 60,429 passing yards.
If Calvillo needs another incentive to join up with Trestman’s coaching staff, the track record speaks for itself. Scott Milanovich went from being a coach on Trestman’s staff to head coach of the Toronto Argonauts to the quarterbacks’ coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brady will now get the chance to do the same with Andrew Luck and the Colts.
The only question left to answer for the Double Blue is the status of defensive coordinator Corey Chamblin, who has been rumoured to be leaving the team for another opportunity.
Next: Signing Woods and Reed completes overhaul of defence
What do you think about the possibility of adding Calvillo to the coaching staff? Let us know in the comments.