The Detroit Lions faced significant criticism for choosing running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Numerous people wondered about the logic of using a high draft choice on the Alabama player when the team already had running backs D’Andre Swift and David Montgomery.
The agreement was that the Lions placed too high a value on the prospect. PFF described the choice as a “subpar” selection, CBS Sports assigned it a D rating, SB Nation labeled it a “significant stretch,” and The Athletic deemed it an “unusual decision.” The Lions had a different opinion.
Detroit possessed a distinct plan for their offense with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who introduced a system centered around a varied rushing strategy. Swift thrived in a zone-blocking running system, yet he did not suit gap scheme runs effectively. Gibbs, in contrast, excelled in both zone and gap schemes within Alabama’s spread offense.
Gibbs swiftly eliminated any uncertainty regarding his draft worth, garnering Pro Bowl selections in each of his two seasons while proving himself to be one of the most dynamic offensive athletes in the league. Even though there has been considerable change in Detroit’s offensive coaching staff this offseason, the coaching appointments made by the team clearly indicate their position on Gibbs’ role within the organization.
Lions bring Jahmyr Gibbs back together with his old running backs coach.
On Thursday, the Lions appointed Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.
Selection played a key role in bringing Gibbs in after high school. The four-star recruit turned down offers from elite programs such as Florida and decided to commit to Georgia Tech, where Choice served as the running backs coach. When Gibbs was questioned about his choice on National Signing Day, he promptly answered without delay. “Coach Selection,” Gibbs stated.
“It’s who he is.” “It’s unique,” Gibbs remarked when questioned about his rapport with Choice, according to The Athletic. “He’s an awesome guy.” He truly cares for everyone. He’s among the finest individuals I’ve ever encountered.
Opted to join Lincoln Riley’s coaching team at USC in 2021, and Gibbs moved to Alabama in 2022. They will now come together in Detroit with a powerful offensive line and strong running game. The Lions placed ninth in the league, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and were sixth in total rushing yards with 2,488. Gibbs, who topped the team with 1,412 rushing yards,
Similar to the majority of the coaching staff led by head coach Dan Campbell, Choice is an ex-NFL player. He served as a running back for the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts throughout his six-year career. He will assist in rebuilding Detroit’s coaching team, which saw eight assistant coaches depart this offseason, among them five offensive coaches. Lions assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery, formerly the running backs coach, will transition to wide receivers coach in 2025.