Raiders' OC Bo Hardegree on New York Jets Week

HENDERSON, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders (4-5) are experiencing a resurgence under Interim Coach Antonio Pierce, and they are preparing to show the nation their new look as they host the New York Jets (4-4) on Sunday Night Football.

Offensive Cordinator Bo Hardegree held his weekly press conference ahead of the Jets game this weekend, and you can watch it all above, or read the transcript below.

Interim Offensive Coordinator Bo Hardegree

Q: You were able to implement and make changes in a short week. Would you talk about that process? How proud of you of your guys because they certainly paid attention to detail?

Coach Hardegree: "Everybody kind of hit the ground running. First of all it was just getting the staff together, getting everybody organized on a short week and on some different circumstances. And just really attacking the players on what we needed to do as a unit, what was most important for them. And then just designing the practice and the plan, and going out and the execution part of it. We let them feel kind of how the game was going to be called and let that practice happen and carry over to the game."

Q: You've never called plays in the NFL, but the fact that you played in probably the best conference in college football at quarterback, how much did that help you to be able to do what you did at such a high level on Sunday?

Coach Hardegree: "Just throughout my years of coaching and playing, I mean, every snap you gain more information. And as a young coach and then gradually as I progress throughout my career, relying on people, asking questions, and then certain situations that happen and you just try to develop that and have that carryover into what we did on Sunday."

Q: Several players including running back Josh Jacobs were talking about how you kind of sought their feedback of what's working and what plays they run well? How important was that for you to do that?

Coach Hardegree: "I just want them to feel confident and comfortable. Like I told you, I went into everybody's rooms when we hit the ground running on those first couple meetings and just let them know me, and then get some feedback from them. Even during the game, I'm telling them what's coming up, what I'm thinking, what are they seeing? Which is important, they're the guys out there. I'm calling the plays, and I want to call plays that they feel confident about. And if there's something that I really want to get out there to them, I'll let them know it;s coming. It's just constant communication with those guys."

Q: What were the biggest improvements you noticed in rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell's game from Week 4 to last week. And also, how do you think he can continue those improvements moving forward?

Coach Hardegree: "Yeah, I was really proud of him. First of all, our offensive line did a great job of keeping him upright. And he did a really good job of getting the ball out on time as far as the passing game, and obviously the running game. It all it all ties together. For him, he handled certain situations really well. Sometimes throwing a ball away is the right thing to do within that timing of the play. He moved the ball around well; we had a bunch of different targets to different guys. But I thought his management of the game and staying in the game and not doing too much, not pressing, and just kind of letting it come to him was a big improvement."

Q: What are some things that you think really started to click for the offensive line against the Giants?

Coach Hardegree: "I mean, it's just the physicality that we brought to the game. The mentality. It did. And the runner brought that too, Josh [Jacobs] did. He ran the ball really hard."

Q: Would you talk about that symmetry between you and AP? Different personalities, but the same football mentality?

Coach Hardegree: "Absolutely. The great thing with AP [Antonio Peirce] is being able to communicate with him. 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 time 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."

Q: How much do you think that impacts the players when the head coach is walking into a specific position team meeting every single day?

Coach Hardegree: "I would say anytime the head coach comes in anywhere, there's an impact for sure. He spent a good time with them and I think he's been going throughout the building and emphasizing what's important for us. Our job is to take that to the practice field and let that carry over to the game."

Q: There's been a rotation at right tackle for much of the year. Obviously, Thayer Munford was out so Jermaine Eluemunor played the whole game. How would you assess his performance? Is that something you're comfortable with, or when Thayer is back is there a decision to be made there?

Coach Hardegree: "Well, I'll just keep it plain and simple. I thought that those guys, like I said, did a really good job of taking advantage of their opportunities. So, we'll see from there what happens."

Q: How much do you enjoy being the offensive coordinator and to have that creativity with the play calling?

Coach Hardegree: "There's a fine line. You can't be too wild, but it's got to be calculated. Then understanding our players, understanding the why of something when it goes in is very important for them to know. And I try to do a good job of communicating that to them."

Q: What are some things the Jets do on defense that you have to look at?

Coach Hardegree: "They're a good football team, they really are. They're very explosive and we have to do a really good job of hitting our keys and what we believe in that's going to help us win the football game, and we'll develop our plan around that."

Q: You came out and ran the ball on all but one play on the first drive. How intentional was that coming into the game? Or how much was it because it was working?

Coach Hardegree: "I told the guys, I want to win the line of scrimmage, be physical, get our running back going and get some confidence like we talked about all week. Get that going and then the rest will take care of itself."

Q: How important is stretching the field so teams can't do what they've done all year and stack the box?

Coach Hardegree: "It's very important. It was an emphasis and I'm glad I told myself I was going to get those plays called early for those guys. They deserved that and I'm glad they went out and executed it."

Q: One of the things you kind of joked about last week was to make sure you hold the button down on the headset. How did the communication go on the sidelines?

Coach Hardegree: "I went out there early and messed around with it a little bit. Yeah, it went good. A couple times it got low to the 15-second marker, but I got the play out, and luckily, I have a really smart quarterback who can anticipate what I'm calling, which is a blessing. And he did a really good job with that, but it was fun. I got the hang of it pretty quickly."

Q: How much of a weapon do you think rookie wide receiver Tre Tucker can be? And how exciting is to have a young player with that much athleticism?

Coach Hardegree: "He's very explosive. He's very talented and he works really hard. People that do those things deserve opportunities."

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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