Symmetry Between Pierce and Hardegree is Clear
The Las Vegas Raiders replaced Coach Josh McDaniels and Offensive Coordinator Mick Lombardi with two coaches who might not seem like they have as much in common as McDaniels and Lombardi, but whose differences have led to what could possibly be a stronger connection.
Interim Coach Antonio Pierce and Interim Offensive Coordinator Bo Hardegree have two different personalities but similar mindsets.
“That was the conversation that goes back to walking around the building and getting to know one another, and really on a treadmill," Pierce said. "We did that right before practice, and we continue to do that before practice. Keep our routine, don't change.
"We are who we are. And you can tell in the tone, and when you ask questions, you can even talk about other opponents and the mindset and hearing him speak and talk. I thought it was just a good match."
Pierce noted how well the players respond to Hardegree.
"And you can see how players react to him and respond to him and how well he's done with Aidan [O’Connell] and just that whole quarterback group, and really in general," Pierce said. "But he has a certain calmness about him, a little southern drawl.
"He's totally different from AP [Antonio Peirce], and I love it because you need a little bit of yin and yang. But the mindset is to win, is to be aggressive, is to attack. I mean, you saw what we did last week and that's not going to change. Bo has my full support, Champ Kelly's full support and the team has really rallied behind his philosophy and what he wants to do going forward.”
Hardegree appreciates the differences between himself and Pierce. He shared how much Pierce helped him during his first game calling plays in the National Football League.
"The great thing with AP is being able to communicate with him," Hardegree said. "He comes down to my office and kind of sees what I'm doing and then communicates.
"He's usually a day or two ahead on kind of what he's thinking about. It was fun on the sidelines because, for me and him, it was our first game together. And we were communicating during the game, and he was right there with me as I was calling plays for the first time. I thought he did a really good job, and he made me feel very comfortable out there. He did a great job."
The Raiders hope the similarities and differences between the two coaches will continue to work in their favor.
The Silver and Black will remain at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 8:20 p.m. EST/5:20 p.m. PST.
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