The Montreal Alouettes announced in a press release Thursday the appointment of Anthony Calvillo as quarterback coach.
For the 49-year-old former star quarterback, this is a comeback within the organization. From 2015 to 2017, Calvillo was on the coaching staff of the Alouettes after an illustrious playing career with the Montreal squad which spanned from 1998 to 2013.
In his three seasons on the sidelines with the Alouettes, Calvillo served as receiver coach, offensive coordinator and quarterback coach.
In 2018, he also led quarterbacks with the Toronto Argonauts.
The former Alouettes legend will be reunited with general manager Danny Maciocia with whom he worked in 2019 with the University of Montreal Carabins. In his first season with the team, he helped his roster reach the Vanier Cup game.
“I’m very excited to be back in the CFL, while staying home with my family. I made this decision because of two criteria: being able to be close to my family, and having another chance to be a coach in the Canadian Football League, ”Calvillo said in a statement from the Carabins.
“I want to thank all Carabins fans for their support. The Carabins are an excellent team with excellent management at all levels. I wish them every success, ”added Calvillo, who will be replaced by head coach Marco Iadeluca, who will also wear the offensive coordinator hat on the sidelines starting next season.
Calvillo is due to participate in a video conference with members of the media Thursday afternoon.
A native of Los Angeles, Calvillo first arrived in Montreal in 1998 to join the Alouettes, after stops with the Las Vegas Posse and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
He eventually led the Montreal team to eight Gray Cup finals and three triumphs, in 2002, 2009 and 2010.
Calvillo has spent 20 seasons in the pro, including the last 16 with the Alouettes. He holds a host of Canadian Football League records, including the one for most passing yards at 79,816. Alouettes management retired his jersey in October 2014.
In January 2021, Calvillo was back with the organization as the team’s ambassador. Its purpose was to serve the organization and be present during the activities. As an ambassador, he gave his opinion on the various platforms of the club and made the team shine throughout Quebec. From now on, he will only focus on his coaching role. Last November, he officially received his title of Canadian citizen.
“We are very pleased to have Anthony back on our coaching staff,” said Alouettes head coach Khari Jones.
“Anthony is a very respected person who has had one of the greatest careers in the CFL. The association between him and the Alouettes is simply natural. He returns to where he had his glory days. Our organization has just inherited a very good teacher. “