Reports indicate that Texas Running Backs coach Tashard Choice is leaving to join the Detroit Lions coaching staff, reuniting with Jahmyr Gibbs.
Despite receiving interest from the Dallas Cowboys and other NFL teams, Texas managed to retain Choice for a while by offering him a raise from $700,000 to over $800,000. However, now the former Cowboys fourth-round pick is heading to the NFL, where he will reunite with Gibbs, his former player at Georgia Tech.
Choice’s quick rise in coaching began after he played for the Cowboys from 2008-2012, before working his way up from a graduate assistant at North Texas to his most recent position at Texas.
He helped coach four NFL Draft picks at Texas over two years, including incoming freshman Jaydon Blue, and was known for his recruiting prowess, particularly in Georgia. This included landing top running back recruit CJ Baxter in 2023.
Texas is now facing some recruiting challenges, as Alabama running back Ezavier Cowell, a top-150 prospect, expressed shock over Choice’s decision and canceled his official visit. The Longhorns’ new running backs coach will have to work hard to continue the program’s success, but with a strong position group and infrastructure, they are well-positioned for the future.