Despite being in the Cowboys’ coaching mix, Tashard Choice appears to be staying with the Longhorns.
In the high-stakes world of college football coaching, the constant speculation surrounding staff movements can often overshadow the on-field product. One name that has been at the center of coaching rumors lately is Tashard Choice, the running backs coach for the Texas Longhorns. Choice, a former NFL player with a wealth of football knowledge, has been a key figure in Texas’s resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. However, recently, rumors have circulated that Choice might be a candidate for a coaching position with the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite the allure of a potential move to the NFL, there are several factors that indicate Choice is likely to remain with the Longhorns. The program has made significant strides in recent years, and Choice has played an integral role in the development of one of the top backfields in college football. His continued presence at Texas will be crucial to the team’s ability to maintain its momentum and continue its push toward the College Football Playoff.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Tashard Choice is likely to stay with the Longhorns, despite the NFL interest, and how his role at Texas benefits both him and the program.
1. Tashard Choice’s Relationship with Steve Sarkisian
One of the most significant factors in Choice’s decision to stay with Texas is his relationship with head coach Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian has built a culture of trust and collaboration since taking over at Texas, and Choice has been one of the key pieces of his coaching staff. Sarkisian values loyalty, and Choice’s impact on the Longhorns’ running game has been indispensable.
Under Choice’s tutelage, Texas has developed a potent running attack. The Longhorns have had multiple running backs emerge as stars under his guidance, including Bijan Robinson, who became one of the most talented and decorated backs in college football before entering the NFL. Robinson’s success, along with that of other running backs in the Texas system, can be directly attributed to Choice’s coaching.
The familiarity and success that Choice has experienced with Sarkisian’s system are not easy to replace. Sarkisian is known for his offensive prowess, and a key part of that offense is a strong running game that can balance out the pass. As a coach who thrives in developing talent in both the running back and team contexts, Choice’s presence provides stability in an otherwise rapidly changing world of college football.
For Choice, staying with Texas and continuing to build relationships with young, talented running backs is a clear path to long-term success. The trust he has built with Sarkisian and the rest of the Texas coaching staff will be tough to walk away from, especially when the program is on the cusp of returning to its former glory.
2. The Texas Football Program’s Continued Growth and Success
Tashard Choice is a key part of a Texas football program that is trending upward. After several years of rebuilding, the Longhorns are once again a force to be reckoned with in college football. In 2023, Texas demonstrated its ability to compete with some of the nation’s best teams, earning a spot in a prominent bowl game. In 2024, they are expected to be even better, with many predicting them to challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Longhorns’ success on the field has been built on a combination of elite recruiting and player development. Choice has played a significant role in the latter, helping to transform the Texas running back room into one of the most dynamic units in the nation. Whether it’s developing top-tier talent like Bijan Robinson or working with up-and-coming stars like Jonathon Brooks, Choice has proven himself to be one of the best in his profession.
For Choice, staying at Texas would allow him to continue working with a program on the rise. As the Longhorns make a push for national championships, Choice’s role in their offense becomes even more crucial. The opportunity to be part of this trajectory, with a team that is poised to compete at the highest levels, is one that would be hard to leave behind.
Moreover, Sarkisian’s offensive system, which emphasizes the importance of the running game, is tailor-made for a coach like Choice. The Longhorns’ offense is built to feature a balanced attack, and Choice’s role in developing and executing that strategy is critical. As Texas aims to challenge for conference and national championships, having a coach of Choice’s caliber leading the running backs will only help solidify the team’s chances.
3. Choice’s Reputation as an Elite Running Backs Coach
Tashard Choice has quickly established himself as one of the top running backs coaches in college football. His ability to develop players at the position is well recognized within the coaching community, and his track record speaks for itself. Not only has he helped develop future NFL talent, but he’s also been instrumental in shaping the Longhorns’ run game into one of the most formidable in the country.
Robinson’s success, as well as the development of other key backs like Brooks, has caught the attention of college football observers. Under Choice’s leadership, Texas has consistently produced high-level running backs who can impact both the ground game and the passing game. This level of development has allowed Texas to be one of the more balanced offenses in the country, which is critical to Sarkisian’s overall offensive philosophy.
Moreover, Choice’s background as a former NFL running back gives him a unique perspective that allows him to relate to his players on a personal level. His professional experience has made him an effective teacher, someone who can provide real-world examples to help his players understand the nuances of the position. As a result, many of his players trust him and look to him as a mentor both on and off the field.
While the potential move to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys might be an attractive opportunity for Choice, he is well aware that his reputation as an elite coach is still developing. A few more years of success at Texas, developing future NFL stars and helping the Longhorns rise to prominence, could significantly enhance his coaching legacy. Staying at Texas allows him to continue building that reputation without being distracted by the pressures and challenges that come with coaching in the NFL.
4. Family and Personal Connections to Texas
In addition to the professional aspects of his decision, Tashard Choice has personal reasons for wanting to stay at Texas. As a coach, building personal connections with players and the community is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Choice has established strong relationships with his players, many of whom look up to him not only as a coach but as a mentor and role model.
Furthermore, Choice has made Texas his home. The Longhorns’ football program, Austin’s vibrant atmosphere, and the state’s love for football have all contributed to a sense of belonging for Choice. While coaching in the NFL could offer new challenges and opportunities, the chance to continue building his life and career in Texas is something that he may not want to walk away from, especially given the professional success and personal happiness he has experienced thus far.
In coaching, a sense of stability and long-term growth is vital. Choice has found both of those qualities at Texas. He has worked hard to establish himself within the Longhorns program, and leaving that behind would be a difficult decision—especially when so much of his career trajectory is tied to his success at Texas.
5. The Opportunity for Long-Term Success at Texas
Finally, one of the most significant factors that may lead to Tashard Choice staying with Texas is the long-term opportunity for success. While coaching in the NFL would undoubtedly present a new set of challenges, it also comes with its own set of risks. The pressure to win at the professional level is immense, and the turnover rate for coaches in the NFL can be high. Success in the NFL often requires years of consistency and patience, something that is not guaranteed.
At Texas, however, Choice has the opportunity to build something special over the long term. The Longhorns are positioned to compete at the highest levels for years to come, and being a part of that journey provides both professional fulfillment and the chance to leave a lasting legacy. With a program that is on the rise, the prospects for continued success are bright, and Choice could be an integral part of that success.
Additionally, staying with Texas allows Choice to further develop his own coaching career. Sarkisian’s system will continue to grow, and Choice’s role in shaping the running backs room will be crucial to Texas’s overall success. His work in Austin could eventually lead to further career opportunities, perhaps even as a coordinator or head coach down the line.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for Choice at Texas
While the NFL opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys is enticing, Tashard Choice’s future is likely to remain at Texas for the foreseeable future. The relationship he has built with Steve Sarkisian, his impact on the Longhorns’ success, his reputation as an elite running backs coach, and his personal ties to the Texas program all point to him staying put. The opportunity to continue developing elite talent and being part of a program on the rise offers tremendous potential for both professional and personal fulfillment.
As National Signing Day approaches, the Longhorns are poised for another strong recruiting cycle. Tashard Choice’s continued presence at Texas will only serve to strengthen the program’s future, and with the direction the team is heading, staying with the Longhorns could be the best move for him in the long run. The Texas Longhorns are on the verge of something special, and Tashard Choice is set to be a key part of their success in the coming years.
