Texas RB Coach Tashard Choice Leaving for Role with Detroit Lions
The Texas Longhorns are losing one of their most respected position coaches, as running backs coach Tashard Choice is set to leave the program for a role with Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions, according to reports from Eric Nahlin and Justin Wells. Choice, who has played a pivotal role in developing elite talent at Texas, will now take his expertise to the NFL, joining one of the league’s fastest-rising teams.
For Texas, this marks a significant departure as they prepare for their transition into the SEC in 2024. Meanwhile, for the Detroit Lions, it’s a major coaching addition as they continue to build on their NFC Championship Game appearance and look to maintain offensive dominance.
Choice’s Impact at Texas
Tashard Choice arrived at Texas in December 2021, following a brief stint at Georgia Tech. A former NFL running back himself, Choice quickly became known for his ability to connect with players and develop elite talent. Under his guidance, Texas’ running back room became one of the best in the country.
His most notable success story was coaching Bijan Robinson, who flourished under Choice’s mentorship and became the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Robinson, widely considered one of the best running back prospects in years, credited Choice for helping him refine his vision, patience, and explosiveness.
Beyond Robinson, Choice also played a key role in the development of Roschon Johnson, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the same draft. Johnson, originally a quarterback at Texas, transitioned to running back and thrived under Choice’s coaching, proving to be an elite pass protector and a physical, versatile back.
This past season, Choice helped Jonathon Brooks emerge as a star before an ACL injury cut his season short. Brooks rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 and is considered a top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. The fact that Texas consistently produced top-tier running backs under Choice speaks volumes about his ability as a coach and recruiter.
Recruiting Success and Program Impact
One of the most significant aspects of Choice’s tenure at Texas was his recruiting impact. He was instrumental in landing some of the country’s top running back prospects, including Cedric Baxter Jr., a five-star talent from the 2023 class. Baxter was considered one of the best running backs in the country and was expected to be the next star in Texas’ backfield.
Choice’s energy and passion for the game made him a favorite among recruits. His experience as a former NFL player, coupled with his ability to relate to young athletes, helped Texas remain a premier destination for top running back talent.
His departure raises questions about how Texas will fill the void, particularly as they move into the SEC. The Longhorns will need to find a high-caliber replacement who can continue the tradition of developing elite running backs and maintaining strong recruiting pipelines.
Why Detroit? Choice’s Fit with the Lions
Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions have built a reputation as one of the most physical and well-coached teams in the NFL. Their offense, led by coordinator Ben Johnson, has been highly productive, and the running game has been a major part of their success.
In 2023, the Lions boasted one of the best running back duos in the NFL with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Gibbs, a former first-round pick from Alabama, and Montgomery, a bruising veteran back, formed a balanced attack that helped the Lions reach the NFC Championship Game.
Choice’s arrival in Detroit makes perfect sense for multiple reasons:
- Development of Young Talent – The Lions already have an explosive young running back in Gibbs, and Choice’s track record of developing stars like Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks suggests he can help Gibbs reach even greater heights.
- NFL Experience – As a former NFL player who spent six seasons in the league, Choice understands the demands of the professional game and can bring a player’s perspective to his coaching style.
- Cultural Fit – Dan Campbell values high-energy, passionate coaches, and Choice fits that mold perfectly. His enthusiasm and ability to connect with players align with the culture Campbell has built in Detroit.
- Continued Offensive Success – With Ben Johnson staying in Detroit for another season despite head coaching offers, the Lions’ offense will look to build on its momentum. Choice will play a key role in ensuring that the running game remains a major strength.
What’s Next for Texas?
Losing Tashard Choice is a tough blow for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, but Texas remains an elite program capable of attracting top coaching talent. The focus now shifts to finding the right replacement, especially with Texas moving into the SEC, where a dominant running game is often a necessity for success.
Some potential candidates Texas could consider:
- Deland McCullough (Notre Dame RB Coach) – A well-respected coach with NFL experience, McCullough helped develop elite backs at Indiana, USC, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Jamaal Fobbs (TCU RB Coach) – A rising star in the coaching world who has done an excellent job at TCU.
- Stan Drayton (Temple Head Coach, Former Texas RB Coach) – If Drayton were to consider returning to the college position coach ranks, he would be an ideal fit, having previously coached Bijan Robinson.
- Anthony Jones Jr. (Florida RB Coach) – A strong recruiter who has experience in the SEC, making him an intriguing candidate.
Regardless of who Texas hires, they will need to maintain the momentum Choice built, especially in recruiting. The Longhorns have elite talent in the backfield, and keeping that development pipeline strong will be a top priority.
Final Thoughts
Tashard Choice’s departure for the Detroit Lions is a significant move for both Texas and the NFL. While it leaves Texas with a key coaching vacancy, it provides Choice with an opportunity to work at the highest level of football and help a Super Bowl-contending team maintain a dominant rushing attack.
For Texas, the challenge is now finding a replacement who can continue the program’s strong tradition of elite running back play. But for Choice, this is an exciting new chapter in his coaching career—one that could eventually lead to even bigger opportunities in the NFL.
As Texas moves forward in the SEC, and as the Lions continue their quest for a Super Bowl, it will be fascinating to see how Choice’s influence shapes the future of both programs.