When the Detroit Lions announced the hiring of Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach, the move instantly sparked interest among fans and analysts alike. While coaching changes are always noteworthy, what makes this hire particularly compelling is the existing familiarity Choice has with Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ dynamic young running back. This isn’t the first time these two have crossed paths, and that prior connection may play a pivotal role in Gibbs’ continued development and in Detroit’s offensive strategies. Understanding the implications of this pairing requires a deeper look into Tashard Choice’s career, coaching philosophy, and previous work with elite talent, as well as the trajectory of Jahmyr Gibbs’ burgeoning career.
Tashard Choice’s journey through football is defined by perseverance, versatility, and a keen understanding of the game. Before stepping into the coaching ranks, Choice made his mark as a running back at Georgia Tech, where he showcased not only speed and agility but also an ability to adapt to various offensive schemes. Following his collegiate career, Choice spent time in the NFL, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, and also had stints with other teams such as the Buffalo Bills. His experience at the professional level gave him firsthand insight into the demands of NFL running backs—knowledge that is invaluable when coaching players navigating the complexities of modern offenses.
Transitioning from player to coach, Choice honed his skills at multiple levels, emphasizing player development, technique refinement, and situational awareness. He has a reputation for fostering strong relationships with his athletes, creating environments where players feel supported while being pushed to maximize their potential. This approach is particularly effective for young running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs, who are still acclimating to the physical and mental demands of the NFL. Choice’s coaching style emphasizes fundamentals, decision-making, and versatility—qualities that align perfectly with Gibbs’ skill set.
Jahmyr Gibbs entered the NFL with significant expectations. Drafted in the early rounds, Gibbs immediately drew attention for his speed, vision, and ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver. His first season showcased flashes of brilliance, as he demonstrated the agility to evade defenders and the awareness to exploit gaps in the defense. However, like all rookies, Gibbs faced challenges adapting to the speed and complexity of professional football. Consistency, ball security, pass protection, and reading defenses at the next level are areas where many young backs struggle, and Gibbs is no exception. The presence of a coach like Tashard Choice—someone familiar with Gibbs’ game—can accelerate that development, providing guidance tailored to his strengths and areas for growth.
What makes this pairing unique is their prior familiarity. Choice has worked with Gibbs in some capacity before, either through collegiate coaching connections, offseason programs, or pre-draft interactions. That familiarity means that Choice already understands Gibbs’ tendencies, decision-making process, and unique athletic abilities. Instead of starting from scratch, he can build upon a foundation of trust and mutual understanding, allowing for more precise and targeted coaching. Players often thrive when they feel understood by their coaches, and the mental comfort of working with someone who knows them can translate into improved on-field performance.
Detroit’s offensive scheme is another factor that makes this coaching hire significant. The Lions have invested heavily in building a dynamic offense, with a focus on versatility, spacing, and play-action opportunities. Running backs in this system are expected to be multidimensional—capable of running between the tackles, making defenders miss in the open field, catching passes out of the backfield, and contributing to pass protection. Tashard Choice’s background as a versatile player and coach aligns with these expectations. He has experience coaching running backs in systems that prioritize adaptability, quick decision-making, and effective reading of defensive fronts. His ability to translate these concepts to Gibbs could help the young back maximize his role within Detroit’s offensive plans.
In addition to skill development, Choice brings a perspective on longevity and career management that is often overlooked in player-coach dynamics. The NFL is a demanding league, particularly for running backs, who face relentless physical tolls each week. Proper training, injury prevention, workload management, and mental preparation are all crucial to extending a player’s career. Choice has navigated these aspects himself as a former player, and he understands the importance of balancing production with sustainability. For a young talent like Gibbs, learning from a coach who has walked that path can be as important as learning new techniques or playbook intricacies.
The relationship between a running back and their position coach can be transformative. Some of the most successful running backs in NFL history have credited position coaches with helping them refine their vision, improve footwork, and adjust to the subtleties of professional defenses. When trust and understanding exist, players are more receptive to feedback and willing to embrace adjustments that can elevate their game. With Gibbs and Choice, the preexisting familiarity sets the stage for a potentially accelerated growth trajectory. Gibbs is likely to receive highly individualized coaching that accounts for his specific tendencies, strengths, and areas in need of improvement.
Beyond individual development, the presence of Tashard Choice has broader implications for the Detroit Lions’ offensive strategy. A running back who can operate at a high level in multiple facets of the game allows for more creative play-calling and increased flexibility. Gibbs’ ability to contribute in both the running and passing game creates matchup problems for defenses, and Choice’s guidance can enhance those capabilities. By maximizing Gibbs’ efficiency, awareness, and adaptability, Choice is indirectly helping the Lions’ offensive coordinator design more dynamic and unpredictable schemes.
Choice’s influence may also extend to the broader running back room in Detroit. A strong coach can uplift the entire group, improving competition, technique, and team cohesion. Gibbs’ development could serve as a model for younger or less experienced backs, fostering a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement. Players often take cues from those who are excelling, and having a coach like Choice guiding the room can create an environment where everyone benefits from elevated standards.
It’s also worth noting that the NFL landscape rewards adaptability. Defenses are increasingly complex, with hybrid players, intricate blitz packages, and rapid scheme changes. Running backs who can read and react quickly are invaluable. Choice’s coaching philosophy emphasizes intelligence and situational awareness, equipping players like Gibbs to anticipate defensive movements and make split-second decisions that can change the course of a game. This intellectual aspect of coaching is often as important as physical skills, and Gibbs stands to gain significantly from it.
The timing of this hire could not be more opportune. Gibbs is entering a critical phase of his career where the transition from promising rookie to consistent contributor is paramount. Having a coach with an established understanding of his abilities can help him navigate this period successfully. Instead of facing the typical growing pains alone, Gibbs now has a mentor who can guide him through both technical adjustments and the mental challenges of the NFL. This combination of familiarity, expertise, and timing could accelerate Gibbs’ maturation and position him as a cornerstone of Detroit’s offense for years to come.
In conclusion, the hiring of Tashard Choice as the Detroit Lions’ running backs coach represents more than a simple staffing change. It brings a unique synergy to the team, particularly in his relationship with Jahmyr Gibbs. Their prior familiarity, combined with Choice’s coaching philosophy, professional experience, and ability to foster trust, sets the stage for Gibbs to refine his skills, enhance his versatility, and excel within Detroit’s dynamic offensive system. Beyond Gibbs, Choice’s influence has the potential to elevate the entire running back room, improve overall team dynamics, and provide strategic flexibility for the offense. As the Lions continue to position themselves as contenders in a competitive NFC landscape, the Choice-Gibbs partnership could prove to be one of the most impactful storylines of the season. Fans will be watching closely to see how this preexisting connection translates to on-field performance, and if Choice’s guidance helps Gibbs reach the next level, Detroit may have unearthed a coaching gem capable of shaping the future of their backfield.
