Tashard Choice Leaving Texas Longhorns for Detroit Lions Coaching Position
In a significant move that has caught the attention of the college football world, Tashard Choice, the running backs coach for the Texas Longhorns, is leaving the program to join the Detroit Lions as a coach. This marks a major shift in the Longhorns’ coaching staff and leaves a void in a key position just as the program is looking to continue its momentum under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
The Impact of Choice’s Departure on Texas
Tashard Choice’s departure is notable for several reasons. As the running backs coach, Choice played a crucial role in the development of the Longhorns’ running game, which has been a central part of the team’s offensive identity under Sarkisian. Most recently, Choice worked with standout running backs such as Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, both of whom had significant impacts during their time at Texas and are expected to make waves in the NFL.
Choice’s departure leaves Texas needing to replace a coach who has not only overseen the development of highly touted running backs but also helped shape the overall success of the offensive unit. His expertise in developing talent and his ability to recruit at a high level were key components in Texas’ recent surge in recruiting, particularly at the running back position.
With Bijan Robinson now heading to the NFL, it will be important for Texas to find a coach who can continue to nurture the program’s young talent and ensure the running back position remains a strength. The Longhorns will likely need to act quickly to fill the position, as they continue to compete for high-level recruits and maintain their place as one of the top programs in college football.
Choice’s Legacy at Texas
Tashard Choice joined the Texas Longhorns coaching staff in 2021, bringing his knowledge and experience from both the NFL and his time as a player at Georgia Tech. His success as a running back in the NFL, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys, allowed him to relate to players and provide them with a unique perspective on the game.
Choice made an immediate impact on the Texas program by developing talented running backs and making significant strides in the recruiting arena. His ability to recruit and develop talent at the position helped solidify the Longhorns’ standing in the national conversation.
Under his leadership, Bijan Robinson emerged as one of the best running backs in college football, earning numerous accolades and preparing for a successful career in the NFL. His development of Roschon Johnson also proved instrumental, as Johnson was able to provide valuable depth in the backfield and contribute significantly to the Longhorns’ offensive game plan.
While Choice was at Texas for only a short time, his impact was already being felt, and his departure leaves a hole in the Longhorns’ coaching staff that will be tough to fill. The next coach will have big shoes to fill in terms of continuing the tradition of success at the running back position.
Detroit Lions Opportunity
For Tashard Choice, the move to the Detroit Lions is a significant career opportunity. Transitioning to the NFL allows Choice to take the next step in his coaching journey, working with some of the best football players in the world. The move to the Lions also gives him the chance to further develop his coaching credentials and potentially move into higher-profile roles within the NFL coaching ranks.
The Lions’ running back group, which includes emerging talent such as Jahmyr Gibbs, is an exciting opportunity for Choice to make a significant impact. The NFL offers the chance to work with athletes at the highest level, and Choice’s experience as a player and coach in college football gives him a unique perspective that will be beneficial as he transitions into the professional ranks.
Who Will Replace Choice at Texas?
With Choice’s departure, the Texas Longhorns now have a vacancy to fill on their coaching staff. The new running backs coach will inherit a talented group of players, including Jonathan Brooks and Jaydon Blue, who are poised to step into bigger roles after the departure of Bijan Robinson to the NFL. It will be essential for the Longhorns to hire a coach who can continue the tradition of excellence at the running back position and help the Longhorns remain competitive at the highest level of college football.
There will likely be a national search for Choice’s replacement, and Texas will need to consider a variety of candidates who can bring a mix of coaching experience, recruiting prowess, and the ability to work with a highly talented running back room.
Several names could be thrown into the mix, and the Longhorns may look to hire a coach with experience in recruiting, given that they will be looking to continue their success in bringing in elite talent at the running back position. Given Texas’ recent success in recruiting, the program is in an excellent position to attract a high-quality coach to fill this important role.
Looking Ahead for Texas
The loss of Tashard Choice represents a challenge for Texas, but it also provides an opportunity for the program to hire a new coach who can build upon the foundation Choice established. Texas remains one of the premier football programs in the country, and the right hire could help ensure that the Longhorns’ running game continues to be one of the best in college football.
As Sarkisian continues to build his program, the running back coach position will be crucial in ensuring that Texas’ offensive identity remains intact. Whether through development or recruiting, the next coach will play a key role in shaping the future of the Longhorns’ offense.
Texas will also need to address the potential NFL draft prospects among its running back group. With the 2023 draft already behind us, the next few seasons will likely see a strong emphasis on helping players reach the next level. With Bijan Robinson having already gone to the NFL, the Longhorns are well aware of the challenges ahead but are equally aware of the potential.
In the coming months, fans and analysts alike will closely watch how Texas handles this situation. The recruitment process for a new running back coach and the continuation of an offensive identity built around a strong running game will be critical factors as the Longhorns look to build on their recent success and prepare for the future.