Anthony Calvillo will answer CFL head coach calls if they come

Photo: Vincent Ethier/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Montreal Alouettes have had the most explosive offence in the CFL in 2026, and offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo has been right at the heart of it.

The Hall of Fame quarterback has been Montreal’s play-caller since late last season and the results have followed.

Quarterback Davis Alexander was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player after throwing for 5,257 yards and 35 touchdowns against just four interceptions. Receiver Tyson Philpot also took home Most Outstanding Canadian honours after catching 124 passes for 1,809 yards with 13 touchdowns — all league bests.

With that kind of success, it’s only natural Calvillo’s name could eventually surface when CFL teams go searching for their next head coach. And if those phone calls come, the 54-year-old isn’t planning on hanging up.

“I’m never gonna say no,” Calvillo said. “You’re always gonna listen to a phone call if it comes.”

Calvillo has settled down in Montreal with his family after his playing days with the Als. He moved around between the University of Montreal Carabins and the Alouettes.

Still, becoming a head coach isn’t something Calvillo is chasing. He compared his situation to his playing days, when becoming a starting quarterback was always the objective. Coaching has been different.

“As a quarterback, you wanted to be the starter. That was your goal. Be consistent,” he said. “Since I became a coach, I’ve never thought, ‘I want to be a head coach.’ I want to be the best coach that I could be to help our team win, and then the results are going to take care of themselves.”

Calvillo has been coaching for roughly a decade, but he believes the last couple of seasons have represented his best work on the sidelines. That doesn’t mean he’s spending much time thinking about the next step.

“I don’t lose any sleep over it. If I get to that position, great. If not, I’m gonna be happy with my career,” he said. “I’m not at that stage. I’ve only been coaching for 10 years.”

“The most success I’ve had as a coach really has been the last couple years, and I’m excited about that. But again, we’re surrounded with a lot of great talent. I am not going to bed at night saying this is my goal. My goal right now is to help our football team.”

Alexander doesn’t see why Calvillo couldn’t turn into a great head coach.

“Of course he can be a great head coach,” he told 3DownNation at media day. “Anyone who thinks differently I would like to know their reasons why. He has learned from the best, (Marc) Trestman, and all the legendary coaches I’ve come through. It would not shock me if he ends up being a successful head coach.”

Philpot has seen the progression Calvillo has had since his rookie season and the impact he now has on the whole team.

“For sure he’s ready,” he told 3DownNation. “The way he has elevated from being an offensive mind to a playcaller. The way he has been able to get in front of the group, I can see the rubbing of coach [Jason] Maas on him. 2022 and 2023 he was very quiet, he didn’t talk too much. He inspires the group, he talks to us before and after every game. I can absolutely see him becoming a head coach.”

For now, that football team has one much bigger goal immediately in front of it.

The Alouettes are in Calgary for the 113th Grey Cup after falling one victory short of the championship a year ago. Montreal’s players have made no secret of their confidence heading into the game, with Tyler Snead going as far as guaranteeing an Alouettes victory.

Calvillo’s focus remains on making sure his offence does its part. After that, if another CFL team decides to give him a call, he’ll listen.