Dallas Cowboys Set to Interview Texas Football’s Running Back Coach, Tashard Choice
The Dallas Cowboys are continuing their search for the right additions to their coaching staff, and according to recent reports, one candidate has emerged as a potential key figure in their plans. Tashard Choice, the running backs coach for the University of Texas Longhorns, is set to interview for a position with the Cowboys. His name is quickly gaining traction in NFL circles, and this move signals the Cowboys’ intent to bolster their coaching ranks with someone who has a proven track record in developing running backs.
Who Is Tashard Choice?
Before diving into the impact of this potential hire, it’s important to understand the background of Tashard Choice and why his name is being discussed at such a high level.
Tashard Choice is a former NFL running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Commanders, and the Buffalo Bills during his career. He was drafted by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech, where he had a standout college career. Choice’s playing career, though not lengthy, was marked by his strong work ethic, versatile skill set, and ability to contribute both as a ball carrier and a blocker.
After retiring from professional football, Choice transitioned into coaching. His football knowledge and experience quickly gained him respect in the coaching ranks, and he made a seamless shift to becoming a key member of the Texas Longhorns’ coaching staff.
Coaching Experience and Reputation
Choice’s coaching career began at his alma mater, Georgia Tech, where he took on the role of running backs coach. However, his most significant and high-profile coaching role has come in Texas, where he has served as the Longhorns’ running backs coach since 2021.
During his time in Austin, Choice has made a significant impact on the program, helping to develop and elevate Texas’s running back unit. He has worked with some of the most talented players in the country, helping to shape them into potential NFL stars. Choice’s coaching style is a reflection of his own playing career: he is detail-oriented, passionate, and committed to developing players not only physically, but also mentally. His focus on discipline and fundamentals has made him a standout among his peers.
Perhaps the most notable player to emerge under Choice’s tutelage is Bijan Robinson, who was a consensus All-American and one of the top running backs in the nation. Robinson declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, and many scouts and analysts attributed his development to Choice’s coaching. Robinson’s performance during his time at Texas, especially under Choice’s guidance, showcased his elite vision, agility, and decision-making abilities. Robinson is expected to be a top draft pick, and Choice’s ability to help him reach that level has only added to his coaching reputation.
Another key player under Choice’s coaching is Roschon Johnson, who had a solid career at Texas as well. Johnson’s work ethic and ability to adapt were sharpened by Choice, making him one of the more intriguing NFL prospects coming out of the Longhorns’ program.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Are Interested
So why are the Dallas Cowboys interested in Tashard Choice? The team’s search for a new running backs coach comes in the wake of changes to the coaching staff and a clear desire to continue building a balanced and high-powered offense. Dallas’s running game has been a focal point for the team in recent years, with standout players like Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard playing pivotal roles in the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.
However, in recent years, the running game has not been as dominant as it once was. While Pollard has emerged as a dynamic and versatile option, the Cowboys’ offense still lacks the same balance and explosiveness that it boasted in the past. This is where a coach like Choice could come in.
Choice’s ability to develop young talent and work with running backs to maximize their potential makes him an intriguing prospect for the Cowboys. If Dallas hires him, Choice could help rejuvenate the team’s ground game, especially with Pollard transitioning into a larger role as the lead back following Elliott’s departure in 2023.
Additionally, the Cowboys have shown a commitment to building their offense around a strong, reliable running game that complements their passing attack. Given that Dallas has some younger players and unproven talents at the running back position, the Cowboys likely view Choice’s expertise as a critical asset in their attempts to keep their offense balanced and competitive.
What Choice Would Bring to the Cowboys
If Tashard Choice is hired as the running backs coach, it’s expected that he would bring several key traits and skills to the Cowboys’ staff. First and foremost, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the game and a passion for developing running backs. His emphasis on discipline and technique has translated into results, as evidenced by the success of players like Robinson and Johnson at Texas.
In addition to his technical expertise, Choice brings a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to mentor players. He’s known for building strong relationships with his players and helping them improve both on and off the field. This approach would likely benefit the Cowboys, particularly as the team works to develop a solid running back corps and identify the best players for their scheme.
Choice’s emphasis on mental preparation is another factor that could set him apart from other candidates. He works closely with his players to ensure they are mentally sharp, and he teaches them how to read defenses, make quick decisions, and adjust to changing game situations. This type of mindset would be invaluable to the Cowboys as they continue to strive for offensive balance and execution.
Moreover, Choice’s connections within the football world, particularly with his ties to college football, could help the Cowboys in terms of scouting and recruiting talent. If the Cowboys look to add more depth to their running back room in the future, Choice’s network could prove to be a useful asset in identifying promising young players.
The Cowboys’ Running Back Situation
As of now, the Cowboys’ running back situation is in a period of transition. With Ezekiel Elliott no longer with the team, Tony Pollard is the team’s primary back. Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance, including during the 2022 season, when he took over as the lead back in the latter part of the year. He’s a versatile and dynamic player who can contribute both as a rusher and as a receiver out of the backfield. However, Pollard will be tasked with taking on a larger workload, and it remains to be seen whether he can remain as effective as a full-time starter.
Behind Pollard, the Cowboys have a few unproven options. Players like Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle have shown potential, but neither has had the opportunity to showcase their abilities over a full season. As a result, there’s a clear need for a coach who can develop these young talents and ensure they are ready to contribute when called upon.
This is where Choice could play a key role. If hired, he would likely be tasked with helping to mold Pollard into an even more dynamic and reliable option while also developing the team’s depth at running back. His focus on discipline and technique could be exactly what these younger players need to improve their skills and carve out roles on the team.
Potential Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense
The hiring of Tashard Choice could have a ripple effect on the Cowboys’ entire offensive system. A strong running game is essential for a balanced offense, and with the NFL placing increasing emphasis on a diverse and unpredictable attack, having a solid running back unit could be a key to success. By hiring a coach who specializes in running backs, the Cowboys would be signaling their commitment to making sure their ground game is strong and capable of taking the pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott.
Additionally, with the Cowboys’ offense often relying on both the pass and the run, having a capable running back coach could help further elevate Prescott’s play. A dynamic and effective running game opens up more opportunities for play-action passes, making it easier for Prescott to operate with more options available to him. By ensuring that the running backs are well-coached and effective, Choice could ultimately help elevate the performance of the entire offense.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of making important decisions to fine-tune their roster and coaching staff, and the potential hiring of Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach represents a calculated and exciting move. Choice’s extensive experience in coaching running backs, particularly at the collegiate level with the Texas Longhorns, positions him as a strong candidate to help guide the Cowboys’ offense into a new era.
Choice’s ability to develop young talent and focus on the technical and mental aspects of the game could prove to be invaluable as the Cowboys continue to rely on their running game to balance their offensive attack. With Pollard stepping into a more prominent role, and with younger players looking to develop, Choice’s expertise and passion for coaching could be just what the Cowboys need to return to their elite offensive form.
As the Cowboys look to make the right decisions in the coming weeks, the possibility of adding a coach with Choice’s background and capabilities could be a significant step toward their long-term success. The combination of his experience, his eye for talent, and his commitment to developing players could help solidify the Cowboys’ running back unit for years to come. If the interview leads to an official hiring, Choice could very well become a key figure in the future of the Cowboys’ offense.