Toronto Argonauts: Anthony Calvillo excited for new challenge

The Toronto Argonauts announced changes to their coaching staff for the 2018 season, including Anthony Calvillo as the new quarterbacks’ coach.

After initial reports surfaced back on Mar. 4, head coach Marc Trestman and the Toronto Argonauts confirmed Anthony Calvillo will take over from Marcus Brady as the quarterbacks’ coach.

That was not the only change to the coaching staff, as Tommy Condell will be the new offensive coordinator while retaining the role of receivers’ coach.

Mike Archer moves from his position as linebackers’ coach to defensive coordinator, after Corey Chamblin told the team he intends to take time away from coaching. Tyron Brackenridge takes over as the defensive backs coach and Greg Quick moves into Archer’s role as the linebackers coach.

The coaching staff was already hard at work preparing for the season in a hotel, where the staff watches film and prepares the playbook. Rather than waste time commuting to the practice facility, the team decided the convenience of working in a hotel would allow for more efficiency.

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As Trestman spoke about the preparations for the season, he could not help but have a big smile on his face talking about bringing Calvillo into the fold. The duo that won two Grey Cups in five seasons together will look to take their relationship to the next level as colleagues.

It all started with a conversation in Montreal a couple of weeks ago according to Trestman and apparently, the pitch was an easy one.

"“How cool would it be for you and Ricky [Ray] to be in the meeting room together?” he recalled. “It could be a lot of fun, it would be a great dynamic.”"

There is no denying there is a great deal of respect between Trestman and Calvillo. It was a big reason why the former quarterback put off family trips and charity events in order to take on a demanding job.

Not only will the 45-year-old be in charge of coaching a future Hall of Famer in Ricky Ray, but ensuring the development of the future crop of signal callers.

It is a match made in heaven, given Calvillo’s experience as a productive quarterback at an older age. He knows that in order to be successful with Ray, he will have to point out deficiencies in his game.

This was something Trestman observed when he became head coach of the Chicago Bears and asked Calvillo to go through video with quarterbacks Jay butler and Josh McCown as the Canadian Press reported.

"“I just gave him the remote and he went through drops and reads and progressions and that’s when I knew he’d be a great coach,” Trestman said to reporters. “He sat in there with Jay and Josh and the other guys and by the end of the day they were best friends … they went out and played golf together.”"

Those are the types of relationship Calvillo will hope to develop with Ray and the young quarterbacks on the roster which includes; James Franklin, McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Dakota Prukop.

What he hopes will help is keeping a consistent message in his coaching and having Ray set the example.

"“I will be on them to make sure that they are seeing the things that we want them to see and that we are consistent in our message,” Calvillo said on his approach to the younger QBs.“When you have a quarterback like Ray, you get a chance to see how he sees the game, how he prepares so it’s up to them to [learn from that].”"

One person who will help is Condell, because of his experience with the offence last season and the familiarity with the roster. He just cannot wait to be a part of the newly formed relationship.

"“AC has played the position at a high level and has a great rapport with Marc already,” said Condell“To be a conduit of that communication and for him to be in that same position that Ricky is in, that is going to be great. We all want to learn and get better and I know that Ricky is the same way.”"

One thing the Toronto Argonauts will benefit from is having everybody on the same page, but they also know that executing each play will be critical.

Next: How much does LeSean McCoy have left to offer the Bills?

What did you make of the changes to the Toronto Argonauts coaching staff? What will be the key to repeating as Grey Cup Champions? Let us know in the comments below.

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