In a significant coaching shift, Tashard Choice, the esteemed running backs coach for the Texas Longhorns, has accepted a position with the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
This move, reported on February 13, 2025, marks a pivotal transition in Choice’s career and has elicited varied reactions from the football community.
A Prominent Tenure at Texas
Choice joined the University of Texas at Austin in December 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience both as a former NFL player and a coach. During his three-year tenure with the Longhorns, he was instrumental in developing a formidable running back corps. Under his guidance, standout players such as Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks flourished, each becoming the first running backs selected in their respective NFL drafts in 2023 and 2024. Choice’s commitment to excellence not only elevated the performance of his players on the field but also enhanced the Longhorns’ recruiting prowess, attracting top-tier talent to the program.
Reuniting with Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit
The decision to join the Detroit Lions reunites Choice with running back Jahmyr Gibbs, whom he previously coached at Georgia Tech. Gibbs, who transferred to Alabama after his tenure at Georgia Tech, has since become a key player for the Lions. This reunion is anticipated to bolster the Lions’ offensive strategy, leveraging the established rapport and mutual understanding between coach and player.
Implications for the Longhorns
Choice’s departure presents a significant challenge for the Texas Longhorns. Known for his dynamic coaching style and recruiting acumen, his exit leaves a void in the coaching staff. Notably, his influence was pivotal in securing commitments from top recruits, including EJ Crowell. In light of Choice’s move to the NFL, Crowell has reopened his recruitment, underscoring the immediate impact of this coaching change on the program’s future prospects.
