Breaking news: John Hufnagel officially leaves Calgary Stampeders, becomes senior advisor to rival club

John Hufnagel has officially ended his 18-year run with the Calgary Stampeders, taking on a new role as senior advisor to the head coach and general manager with the Toronto Argonauts.

The move was confirmed Thursday after first being reported earlier in the week.

“It’s bittersweet to leave the Calgary Stampeders, but I’m excited for what’s ahead,” the 74-year-old wrote in a statement.

“I’m extremely proud of everything we achieved in Calgary since 2008. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to that success and to the fans for their support and friendship.”

Hufnagel originally returned to Calgary in 2008 after nine seasons in the NFL, becoming both head coach and general manager.

Over eight seasons in those dual roles, he produced a 102-41-1 regular-season record, won two Grey Cups, and collected two Coach of the Year awards. He stepped down as head coach after 2015 to become club president.

He continued as president and general manager until 2022, when Dave Dickenson took over GM duties. During Hufnagel’s tenure as general manager, the Stampeders went 175-70-3 and captured three Grey Cups. After the 2023 season he moved into a special advisor position.

Dickenson praised Hufnagel’s long-term influence on the organization. “We’ve been fortunate to learn from Huff’s leadership,” he said. “I had hoped he would stay, but I respect his decision, and we all appreciate what he’s done for this franchise over 18 years.”

Before transitioning fully into coaching and management, Hufnagel played quarterback in the CFL from 1976 to 1987 with Calgary, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg. He later coached in the CFL for eight seasons—including seven with the Stampeders—before leaving for the New Jersey River Dogs of the Arena Football League.

His NFL journey began in 1999 as the Cleveland Browns’ quarterbacks coach, followed by the same role with Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and New England. He was the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006 and earned a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

In Toronto, Hufnagel will mentor new head coach Mike Miller and general manager Pinball Clemons as they work to reshape the roster. Assistant general manager John Murphy—who worked closely with Hufnagel in Calgary for years—will again be part of his support network.

“An absolute legend is joining us,” Clemons said. “John Hufnagel defines ‘Hall of Famer.’ His leadership and championship pedigree will benefit the entire organization. He’ll guide our coach and GM, help with league meetings, draft preparation, game planning, and anything else the season demands.”

The Argonauts went 5-13 in 2025, finishing third in the East Division and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Injuries played a major role, with franchise quarterback Chad Kelly out for the season after breaking his leg in the previous year’s East Final. Nick Arbuckle stepped in and threw for 4,370 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions as Toronto’s Most Outstanding Player nominee.

Toronto finished seventh in net offence, sixth in net defence, and posted a minus-eight turnover differential. Spencer Brown led the team in rushing (314 yards), Dejon Brissett in receiving (907 yards), and Cameron Judge in tackles (79). The club averaged 15,109 fans per game, slightly down from the previous season.