Tashard Choice, the running back coach for Texas football, is reportedly scheduled to interview with the Dallas Cowboys.
Tashard Choice, Texas Football’s Running Back Coach, Set to Interview with the Dallas Cowboys: What It Means for the Longhorns
In the ever-evolving world of college football, coaching moves are often as impactful as player acquisitions. Recently, Texas football fans have been buzzing about the news that Tashard Choice, the running back coach for the Longhorns, is reportedly scheduled to interview with the Dallas Cowboys. The potential for Choice to move from a successful college program to the NFL presents a significant shift, both for his career and for the Texas football team.
Choice, who has played a key role in developing the Longhorns’ running backs into one of the most dynamic units in college football, could now be on the verge of making a jump to the NFL. This article will explore the implications of this development, the impact on the Texas football program, and how Choice’s potential move could shape his career and the future of the Longhorns.
Tashard Choice’s Journey: From NFL Player to College Coach
Before discussing the potential move to the Dallas Cowboys, it’s important to understand Tashard Choice’s background and his trajectory in football. A former running back who played for several teams in the NFL, including the Dallas Cowboys, Choice’s playing career helped him develop a deep understanding of the game. He played college football at Georgia Tech, where he had a standout career. During his time in the NFL, Choice’s experience as a player gave him a strong foundation for transitioning into coaching after retiring from playing.
Choice joined the Texas Longhorns coaching staff as the running back coach in 2021, and his impact was immediate. His professional playing experience, combined with his sharp coaching instincts, helped him establish a strong rapport with Texas’s running backs. Under his tutelage, players like Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson flourished in the Texas offensive system, turning into some of the most explosive and effective ball carriers in the country.
What has set Choice apart in his role as a coach is his ability to develop players not just as athletes, but also as leaders and mentors. His playing background gives him a credibility that players respect, and his focus on both the fundamentals of running the football and the mental aspects of the game have proven to be highly effective.
Why the Dallas Cowboys?
The news that Tashard Choice is scheduled to interview with the Dallas Cowboys comes as no surprise to many who have followed his career closely. Having played for the Cowboys from 2008 to 2010, Choice developed a bond with the franchise that still exists today. His history with the team, his familiarity with the Cowboys’ culture, and his strong ties to the Dallas area make him an appealing candidate for a coaching role on the staff.
The Cowboys have experienced some instability in their running back room in recent years, with the departure of star players and the shifting dynamics of their offensive personnel. As the Cowboys look to revamp their offense and return to championship contention, they may see Choice as the ideal candidate to help mold their next generation of running backs. With his deep understanding of both college and professional football, as well as his connections to the state of Texas, Choice is uniquely positioned to step into an NFL coaching role.
It’s also worth noting that NFL teams have been increasingly focused on hiring coaches with experience developing young talent. Given Choice’s success in nurturing and improving young college players, particularly at Texas, the Cowboys may see him as a key figure who can help them develop their young backs into future stars. His ability to work with players who are transitioning from college to the professional level is particularly attractive in an NFL landscape where teams are more frequently relying on rookie talent to contribute early in their careers.
The Impact on Texas Football: A Potential Loss for the Longhorns
Tashard Choice’s potential move to the NFL would undoubtedly be a significant loss for the Texas Longhorns. Over the past two seasons, the Longhorns’ running back room has flourished under his guidance. The emergence of Bijan Robinson as one of the top running backs in the country is a direct result of Choice’s coaching, and Robinson’s success helped elevate the Texas offense to new heights. Choice’s ability to balance player development with scheme implementation has been a key factor in the Longhorns’ improvement in the run game.
Robinson, who declared for the NFL Draft after the 2022 season, is widely regarded as one of the most talented running backs to ever play for the Longhorns. His success on the field, combined with his leadership off the field, has been a direct reflection of the culture that Choice helped cultivate within the running back room. The question now is whether Texas can continue that success in his absence, should he decide to leave for the Cowboys.
Furthermore, Choice’s departure could have ripple effects on the broader Texas coaching staff. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood have built a solid offensive identity around the running game, and losing a key coach like Choice would require a swift adjustment to the staff’s personnel and approach. The Longhorns would need to move quickly to find a suitable replacement, as the running back position is pivotal to the team’s success in 2023 and beyond.
Texas has a strong foundation in place, with a wealth of talented running backs still on the roster, including Johnson and emerging stars like Jaydon Blue. However, replacing Choice’s expertise, player development skills, and relationship-building abilities would be a significant challenge. Texas would need to find a coach who can maintain the high standards that Choice set for the program’s running backs, while also continuing to improve the overall production of the running game.
What’s Next for Tashard Choice?
If Tashard Choice does decide to take the job with the Dallas Cowboys, it will mark a new chapter in his career. Moving to the NFL is a significant step, one that many former players dream of but few achieve. For Choice, it would be the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the sport. He has already proven himself to be a skilled coach in the college ranks, and the opportunity to coach at the professional level would be a natural progression for his career.
However, it’s worth considering the challenges Choice could face in making the leap from college to the NFL. The professional game is faster, more complex, and more demanding than college football, and the dynamics of coaching at the highest level are very different. While Choice’s experience as a player in the NFL gives him an edge, the transition to coaching in the pros is always a unique challenge.
Additionally, there’s the question of family and personal preferences. Texas football, as a program, offers its own unique set of challenges and rewards, and moving away from the college ranks could change the trajectory of Choice’s career. Whether he decides to take the job with the Cowboys or remain at Texas, he will face important decisions about his long-term coaching path.
The Bigger Picture: The Evolution of College to NFL Coaching Hires
Tashard Choice’s potential move is also part of a larger trend in college football and the NFL, where there is an increasing crossover of talent and coaching expertise. Over the past decade, there has been a rising interest in hiring college coaches who have strong relationships with players and a proven track record of developing young talent. This shift is driven by the need for teams to adapt quickly and integrate fresh talent into their systems, and Choice’s success with developing young players makes him a prime candidate for NFL teams looking to improve their depth at running back.
Moreover, the fact that many successful NFL coaches have roots in college football, including the likes of Pete Carroll and Kyle Shanahan, further exemplifies the growing trend of college coaches making the jump to the professional ranks. If Choice does take this step, he will join a growing list of coaches who have successfully navigated the transition from the college ranks to the NFL.
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