Tashard Choice Joins Detroit Lions as Running Backs Coach

DETROIT, Mich. — Tashard Choice, currently a running backs coach at the University of Texas, is reportedly set to join the NFL‘s Detroit Lions in the same role on Dan Campbell‘s coaching staff. This news follows Choice’s decision to remain in college football earlier this month when he declined an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys.

Choice has been an essential part of Steve Sarkisian‘s coaching staff since 2021, mentoring talented running backs such as Bijan Robinson, Jonathon Brooks, and Roschon Johnson at UT. His contributions have been integral in developing these players into potential NFL prospects.

A former NFL running back, Choice played his college football at Georgia Tech before embarking on a six-year professional career, which included stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Football Team, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts. During his time with the Cowboys, he accumulated 1,139 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

After retiring from the NFL in 2013, Choice transitioned into coaching, initially serving as a coaching intern with the Cowboys in 2016. He then joined the University of North Texas as a running backs coach before returning to Georgia Tech for three years in the same position.

The shift to Detroit is notable as he will reunite with former players, including Lions’ rising star Jahmyr Gibbs, whom he had recruited to Georgia Tech. This factor, along with the allure of coaching in the NFL, made the move appealing to Choice, despite his previous affinity for Texas.

In his tenure at Texas, Choice was pivotal in developing players like Robinson, who was recognized as a unanimous All-American under his guidance. Other notable players he coached include Keilan Robinson and Brooks, both of whom are on their way to the NFL, along with Jaydon Blue, who recently received a combine invite.

The college-to-NFL coaching pipeline has become increasingly robust, and Choice’s transition reflects this trend. As he prepares to leave Texas, it marks a significant step in his coaching career while he navigates the challenges of relocating his family to Detroit.