THE DAILY DRIVE: New Lions RBs coach Tashard Choice ‘a genius when it comes to the running back position’
Introduction:
The Detroit Lions’ coaching staff has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years, with many fresh faces leading the charge for the team’s revival. Among the latest additions to this promising coaching staff is Tashard Choice, the new running backs coach. Known for his deep understanding of the running back position, Choice has already earned a reputation as a “genius” in his craft. His ability to develop, motivate, and elevate the running game of any team he’s been a part of speaks volumes about his skillset. In this piece, we’ll take an in-depth look at Tashard Choice’s career, his rise in the coaching ranks, and why the Lions’ backfield might be in for a major transformation with him leading the charge.
1. The Early Years: Tashard Choice as a Player
Tashard Choice’s journey to the NFL began in the collegiate ranks, where he was a standout player for the University of Georgia before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. At Oklahoma, Choice blossomed into one of the top running backs in the nation, showcasing his exceptional vision, quickness, and ball-handling skills. In his senior season, Choice rushed for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning recognition as one of the best running backs in college football. His performance helped solidify his place in the NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
While his professional career was relatively short-lived, Choice made a significant impact as a role player in the Cowboys’ backfield, contributing both as a rusher and a pass catcher. Over the course of his five-year NFL career, which also included stints with the Washington Football Team and Buffalo Bills, Choice accumulated over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. Though he wasn’t a perennial starter, his skill set and experience in multiple NFL offenses set the foundation for his future as a coach.
2. Transition to Coaching: From Player to Teacher
After retiring from playing in 2012, Tashard Choice quickly pivoted to coaching. His first coaching job was with the American Football League’s (AFL) New Orleans VooDoo as a running backs coach. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful journey in the world of football coaching. While working in the AFL, Choice gained valuable experience in developing players’ technical skills and understanding the nuances of different offensive systems. His focus was always on enhancing his players’ footwork, vision, and decision-making ability.
From there, Choice’s coaching career began to ascend. He worked as an assistant coach at various levels, continuing to build his reputation for developing running backs. He soon made his way back to the NFL as a coaching intern with the Atlanta Falcons, where he worked closely with former running back and then-coach Keith Armstrong. The mentorship and experiences gained there laid the groundwork for a full-time role as a running backs coach with the Buffalo Bills in 2017.
3. Coaching Success with the Buffalo Bills
Choice’s most significant early coaching success came with the Buffalo Bills. During his time with the team, he worked with a number of talented running backs, most notably LeSean McCoy. McCoy, a future Hall of Famer, benefited from Choice’s tutelage, experiencing multiple productive seasons that saw him continue his elite-level play well into his 30s. Choice was instrumental in helping McCoy adjust to different offensive schemes, refine his vision, and enhance his pass-catching abilities.
Beyond McCoy, Choice was also responsible for the development of players like Devin Singletary, who quickly became one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons after entering the league as a rookie in 2019. Singletary’s growth under Choice’s guidance demonstrated his ability to take players from all levels of experience and push them to become dynamic threats in the NFL.
It’s not just his technical acumen that sets Choice apart; it’s his ability to connect with players on a personal level. His approach to coaching is rooted in communication, patience, and an understanding of the mental aspects of the game. He believes in empowering his running backs to be proactive thinkers on the field, helping them develop the instincts to make the right decisions in real-time.
4. Why Tashard Choice is Considered a ‘Genius’
What sets Tashard Choice apart from other running backs coaches in the NFL is his ability to blend traditional coaching methods with innovative techniques. His understanding of offensive line schemes, blocking techniques, and the running game as a whole allows him to build more well-rounded running backs.
A. Strategic Vision
Choice’s ability to adapt his coaching style to different offensive philosophies has made him a highly regarded asset in NFL circles. His vision extends beyond teaching players to simply run the ball effectively; he focuses on how the running back fits into the broader offensive system, how they can be used as both a rusher and a pass catcher, and how their skills can be maximized in various situations.
B. Fundamentals & Instincts
While many coaches focus on speed or strength, Choice’s approach emphasizes building core fundamentals. He teaches his players to improve their footwork, improve ball security, read defenses, and make split-second decisions. However, his real genius lies in his ability to instill instincts. The great running backs are those who can read and react in a fraction of a second, something that Choice works tirelessly to develop in his players. He gives them the tools to trust their training and make the right decision in any given situation.
C. Communication and Trust
Another factor that contributes to Choice’s status as a “genius” is his ability to build trust with his players. Running backs have to trust their coaches in order to take risks and be aggressive when needed. Choice’s approach fosters that trust, creating an environment where players feel empowered and motivated to execute at their highest level. His calm demeanor and keen ability to break down complex concepts make him an ideal teacher for players at all stages of their careers.
5. The Detroit Lions and the Future of Their Running Game
The Detroit Lions have been in the midst of a long-term rebuild, focusing on improving their roster and creating a more balanced, dynamic offense. With the addition of Tashard Choice to the coaching staff, the running game has the potential to be a driving force behind their future success.
The Lions’ current roster features a talented group of running backs, including David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who bring different skill sets to the table. Montgomery, a powerful downhill runner, is a perfect candidate for Choice’s system, which prioritizes vision and decision-making. Gibbs, on the other hand, is a versatile back capable of lining up in the slot and catching passes out of the backfield, which is a skill that Choice can certainly help develop.
With a strong offensive line in place, Choice’s expertise in maximizing the potential of his running backs could help elevate Detroit’s offense to new heights. If he can get Montgomery and Gibbs firing on all cylinders, the Lions’ offense could become one of the more dynamic in the league, with a powerful ground game serving as the foundation.
A New Era for Detroit’s Backfield
As the Lions enter the next chapter of their rebuild, Tashard Choice’s arrival as the running backs coach represents a significant step forward in the team’s development. Known for his exceptional ability to elevate the play of running backs, Choice brings both technical expertise and a unique coaching philosophy that can help turn Detroit’s running game into one of the NFL’s most formidable. His background, experience, and reputation as a “genius” in his field will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the Lions’ offensive unit, shaping the future of their backfield for years to come.
As fans look forward to the coming seasons, all eyes will be on Tashard Choice and his ability to mold the next generation of running backs in Detroit, with the hope that his genius translates into big plays, consistent production, and a potent rushing attack that can drive the Lions to success in the competitive NFC North.