Detroit Lions Hiring Tashard Choice Praised as ‘Huge’ Move

The Detroit Lions have made waves in the NFL coaching landscape by hiring Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach. This move has been widely praised by analysts, players, and fans alike, marking another step in the Lions’ commitment to building a top-tier coaching staff under head coach Dan Campbell. The decision to bring Choice into the fold is seen as a ‘huge’ move for the franchise, given his track record of developing elite running backs and his reputation as one of the brightest young minds in coaching.

Tashard Choice’s Coaching Pedigree

Before transitioning into coaching, Tashard Choice was an accomplished running back himself, playing in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys, Washington, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts. His playing experience gives him an invaluable perspective when coaching young backs, allowing him to relate to their struggles and provide practical solutions for improvement.

Choice’s coaching career began in 2018 when he joined the North Texas Mean Green as a running backs coach. His impact was immediate, as he helped turn North Texas into one of the most productive rushing teams in its conference. He then moved on to Georgia Tech, where he continued to develop top-tier running backs before making a significant leap to the University of Texas, where he solidified his reputation as an elite recruiter and coach.

At Texas, Choice played a pivotal role in the development of Bijan Robinson, one of the best running back prospects in recent years. Under Choice’s guidance, Robinson became a dominant force in college football, excelling in vision, balance, and pass protection—traits that NFL teams highly covet. This success caught the attention of numerous NFL teams, with the Lions ultimately securing his services.

Why This Is a ‘Huge’ Move for the Detroit Lions

1. Development of Young Talent

The Lions have an exciting young backfield featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Tashard Choice’s arrival means that both players will benefit from his expertise in refining their skills and maximizing their potential. Gibbs, in particular, has a similar playing style to Bijan Robinson, making Choice an ideal mentor for him. Given Choice’s history of molding young running backs into elite performers, this hiring could have long-term benefits for Detroit’s rushing attack.

2. Recruiting and Player Relations

While recruiting is primarily a college football focus, Choice’s ability to build strong relationships with players is a crucial asset at the NFL level as well. His enthusiasm, energy, and ability to connect with his players are well-documented, making him a perfect fit for Dan Campbell’s player-first culture. His presence will not only inspire the running backs but also contribute to a positive locker room environment.

3. Offensive Scheme Fit

Detroit’s offensive scheme relies heavily on a balanced attack, blending a strong running game with a dynamic passing offense led by Jared Goff. Choice’s ability to coach running backs in both rushing and pass-blocking scenarios makes him an ideal fit for Ben Johnson’s offensive system. His expertise in developing versatile backs will further enhance the Lions’ ability to execute a well-rounded game plan.

4. Increased National Attention

The hiring of Tashard Choice is another indicator that the Lions are serious about contending at the highest level. Detroit has already been making headlines with their aggressive roster-building approach, and adding a coach of Choice’s caliber only strengthens their credibility. His arrival will undoubtedly attract further attention from free agents and prospective coaching candidates who see the Lions as an ascending franchise.

Impact on the Running Game

With Choice now at the helm of Detroit’s running backs, the expectations for the backfield will be higher than ever. The Lions have already shown their commitment to the running game, ranking among the top rushing teams in the NFL last season. With his guidance, Gibbs could evolve into a true three-down back, while Montgomery could continue to thrive as a physical presence between the tackles.

Moreover, Choice’s ability to teach vision and patience—two crucial attributes for elite backs—will help the Lions maximize their rushing efficiency. His presence also bodes well for depth players looking to carve out roles, as he has a history of elevating lesser-known talents into significant contributors.

Reaction from Players and Analysts

Many analysts and former players have taken to social media and various sports outlets to praise the move. Former colleagues and NFL insiders have referred to Choice as one of the “best young coaching minds” in football, with some even suggesting that he has the potential to become an offensive coordinator in the future.

Lions running backs have also expressed their excitement, with Jahmyr Gibbs reportedly eager to work with a coach known for developing stars at his position. David Montgomery, a veteran presence in the backfield, has also welcomed the addition, citing Choice’s playing experience as an invaluable asset.

Final Thoughts

The hiring of Tashard Choice is a testament to the Detroit Lions’ commitment to excellence. In a league where coaching can make all the difference, securing one of the top running back coaches in the country is a game-changing move. With Choice’s arrival, the Lions are not just strengthening their coaching staff—they are making a statement that they are ready to compete at the highest level.

With the continued development of their young backfield, Detroit’s ground game is set to become even more dangerous in the coming seasons. If Choice’s past success is any indication, the Lions could soon boast one of the most feared rushing attacks in the NFL.