That's not to say the transition from position coach to coordinator will be an easy one. Coach Carroll made that clear, reminding of the added responsibilities Richard will face.

"It's entirely different when you step in front of the whole group and now it's your turn to set the tempo and critique for the entire body of guys," Carroll said. "You're talking to all position groups every day. He's got meetings every day and he's in front and he's got to do it. It's a challenge because you don't know how guys are going to handle it."

Carroll said he's spent time in several of Richard's meetings with the team. He's come away impressed with how Richard and assistant/head coach Rocky Seto, who was elevated from defensive passing game coordinator this offseason, have handled themselves.

"These guys have been together a really long time and they see eye-to-eye on everything and I think they're giving great leadership to the defensive side where we've obviously lost some leaders over the years – past coordinators," Carroll said of Richard and Seto. "They've really jumped at the cause. It's been fun to watch."

Richard said he'll lean on yet another adage as he shifts to his new role: "Be myself."

"It's just staying true to who I am," said Richard. "Ultimately, I'm going to be genuine and my focus is, truly, to give you all that you need to help you to be your best. That's all I want to show each and every single day.

"I'm going to bring the energy, I'm going to bring the focus, I'm going to bring the attention to detail," he added. "I demand the same out of you, and that's how we all get better."