When the Detroit Lions hired Texas Longhorns running backs coach Tashard Choice , the initial reaction might have been one of surprise. After all, coach Scottie Montgomery has done an outstanding job developing David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs into the top tandem running back duo in the NFL. But upon further reflection, elevating Choice from collegiate football to coach the Lions running back duo makes perfect sense. The move also benefits Coach Montgomery by broadening his resume and pairing him with the Lions’ talented wide receiver group.
Why Tashard Choice Is a Perfect Hire to Coach Lions RBs
Choice – A Perfect Reunion
Before coaching the Texas Longhorns, Choice was the running backs coach at Georgia Tech where one of his star recruits was Gibbs. He was a critical determining factor in Gibbs’ decision to attend Georgia Tech.
Under Choice’s tutelage as his coach, Gibbs became a standout collegiate talent. An outstanding recruiter, Choice was instrumental in Gibbs’ decision to attend Georgia Tech. Gibbs was so impressed after speaking with Choice that he committed to Georgia Tech as a high school junior. As a senior, Gibbs was a four-star prospect who received competing offers from Michigan, Texas A&M, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. But in an early demonstration of his loyalty and belief in Choice, Gibbs held firm and honored the commitment he previously made to Georgia Tech.
Choice – Gibbs’ Coach at Georgia Tech
As a Georgia Tech freshman, Gibbs made his debut in week 2 where he made an instant splash, returning the opening kickoff 75 yards. Appearing in seven games, Gibbs recorded 89 carries for 460 yards and four touchdowns. He added 24 receptions for 303 yards and three touchdowns. But where Gibbs truly made his mark was as a return specialist. His eight kickoff returns for 205 yards led to an All-ACC honorable mention.
Under Choice’s guidance, Gibbs continued to improve. As a sophomore, he played in 12 games where he had 143 carries for 746 yards with four touchdowns. He added another 465 yards on 35 receptions and two receiving touchdowns. Honing his kick return skills, Gibbs added 23 returns for 589 yards with one touchdown.
In December of 2021, Choice left Georgia Tech to accept a position as running backs coach for the Texas Longhorns where he coached future Atlanta Falcons elite talent, Bijan Robinson.
Shortly after Choice left for Texas, Gibbs transferred to Alabama. He finished his junior year with 151 carries for 926 yards with seven touchdowns, 444 receiving yards on 44 catches, and three touchdowns, plus an additional 258 return yards on 13 kickoffs. Gibbs declared for the 2023 draft where after trading up, the Lions selected him with the 12th overall pick. Earlier in the round, Choice’s other elite talent, Robinson was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the eighth overall pick.
Choice’s Impact With the Texas Longhorns Program
In addition to recruiting Gibbs and Robinson, Choice continued to acquire superior talent for the Texas program. He had five running backs drafted over three years. In 2023, running back Jonathon Brooks rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns before an injury sidelined him in week 10 for the remainder of the season.
Longhorn star running back Cedric Baxter was on his way to a huge year in 2024 before he seriously injured his knee during the preseason. Devastated to learn of his coach’s departure to Detroit, Baxter messaged , “This one hurt but if anybody deserve it it’s this guy. So appreciative for this guy recruiting, coaching, and mentoring me. Love T Choice #BadBoys4L,” The message reveals the deep impact Coach Choice had on Baxter’s life.
Choice recently persuaded 4-star recruit Ezavier (E. J.) Crowell is to visit Texas and hopefully commit to the Longhorns. Signaling the importance of Choice in his decision, once Crowell learned of Choice’s hiring by the Lions, he rescinded his earlier visit acceptance.
What Choice Brings to the Lion’s Ground Game
Great coaches can bring out the best in their athletes inspiring, mentoring, and helping them achieve their best on and off the field. The most successful coaches inspire loyalty and devotion from their athletes. They leave an indelible impression on a young athlete’s career, instilling discipline and integrity while pushing them to excel athletically.
Dan Campbell is that kind of coach and Choice is as well. Now, Gibbs will be reunited with one of the men responsible for his development into one of the premiere talents in the NFL. Pairing Gibbs and Montgomery with one of the best running back coaches in the country can only push these two to even greater heights in the year ahead.
Main Photo: Thomas Campbell-Imagn Images
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