Tashard Choice, the running back coach for Texas football, is reportedly scheduled to interview with the Dallas Cowboys.

The news that Tashard Choice, the running back coach for the Texas Longhorns, is reportedly scheduled to interview with the Dallas Cowboys has caused ripples throughout both the college football and NFL landscapes. A seasoned coach with a history of success at both the college and professional levels, Choice has quickly gained a reputation for developing some of the most talented and explosive running backs in the game. His potential move to the Cowboys could have significant implications for Texas football, the Cowboys, and his career trajectory.

In this article, we will explore the circumstances surrounding this development, assess the impact it could have on both the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys, and evaluate what Tashard Choice’s potential departure means for his own coaching career.

Tashard Choice’s Coaching Journey

Before diving into the possible consequences of his reported interview with the Dallas Cowboys, it’s important to understand who Tashard Choice is and how he has developed into one of the most respected coaches in college football today.

Tashard Choice’s football background as a player speaks for itself. As a running back at the University of Georgia and later at the University of Oklahoma, Choice exhibited explosive speed and excellent vision on the field. His success at Oklahoma, where he earned a spot as a starting running back, helped elevate his profile. After a brief career in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys and a few other teams, Choice transitioned to coaching, where he’s made an immediate impact.

Before taking the running back coaching position at Texas, Choice served as the running back coach for the University of Georgia. His work at Georgia, particularly in the development of players like D’Andre Swift, helped solidify his reputation as one of the most talented running back coaches in the nation. The success of his running backs, not just in terms of their college performances but their ability to transition into the NFL, caught the attention of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian.

When Choice was hired by Sarkisian in 2021, many believed that his expertise would elevate Texas’ running back room and help unlock the potential of talented players like Bijan Robinson, who would go on to become one of the top running backs in the country under his tutelage. The development of Robinson and others under Choice’s leadership was one of the shining aspects of Texas football during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

The Texas Football Program Under Choice

Since Choice’s arrival at Texas, the Longhorns have had a resurgence in their rushing attack. The emergence of Bijan Robinson as one of the most dynamic and feared running backs in college football is a testament to Choice’s coaching ability. Robinson’s performance in 2022, where he rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 18 touchdowns, was largely influenced by the skill and guidance that Choice provided him.

Choice’s emphasis on discipline, vision, and understanding the nuances of both the physical and mental aspects of running back play has had a profound effect on the team. Robinson is just one example of a player who flourished under Choice’s leadership, but several other running backs on the roster have also made significant strides. Roshon Johnson, a versatile back who played both running back and quarterback, showcased a unique skill set and benefited from Choice’s guidance as well.

In addition to player development, Choice’s recruitment efforts have been instrumental in bringing in highly touted running back prospects to Texas. He has a strong recruiting background, and his ability to build relationships with high school athletes has helped bring in top-tier talent to the Longhorns. The Texas running back room has become one of the deepest in the nation, and much of that success can be attributed to Choice’s work both on the field and on the recruiting trail.

The Dallas Cowboys and the Importance of the Running Back Position

The news that Choice is reportedly scheduled to interview with the Dallas Cowboys is intriguing for several reasons, not least of which is the team’s current state of affairs. The Cowboys have had a longstanding need for a solid and consistent running game, and their search for the right coaching staff to maximize their rushing attack has been ongoing for years.

While the Cowboys have had running backs like Ezekiel Elliott in recent seasons, there has been inconsistency with the run game, especially when compared to the team’s passing attack, led by quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys are in a position where they need to establish a more reliable and dynamic rushing attack to complement their talented passing game. Enter Tashard Choice.

The Cowboys’ front office and head coach Mike McCarthy are reportedly looking to bolster their coaching staff, and bringing in a coach with Choice’s pedigree would be a major step in the right direction. Choice is known for developing running backs into all-around threats, with a particular emphasis on both ball security and explosive playmaking. These traits are crucial for an NFL team that wants to balance its offense and control the game through the ground attack.

A potential hire of Choice would signal a new era for the Cowboys’ running backs, especially with the looming uncertainty surrounding Ezekiel Elliott’s future with the team. Elliott, once a top-tier back in the NFL, has seen his production dip in recent years, which has led to questions about his long-term fit in Dallas. A fresh coaching perspective from a talented and innovative coach like Choice could provide the rejuvenation that the Cowboys’ running game desperately needs.

What It Means for Texas Football

If Tashard Choice ultimately takes the Cowboys’ job, the impact on the Texas Longhorns football program would be substantial. Losing a coach of his caliber would be a blow to the program’s running back development and its recruiting efforts. Texas has relied on Choice to help cultivate top-tier talent at the position, and his ability to teach young running backs how to maximize their potential has been one of the key drivers of the Longhorns’ offensive success.

The loss of Choice would also impact Texas’ ability to recruit high-profile running backs. Recruiting is a relationship-based business, and Choice has built strong connections with many of the nation’s top running back prospects. His departure could create a void in Texas’ recruiting efforts, as high school running backs may feel uncertain about the program’s commitment to developing them at the next level.

However, Texas is no stranger to change. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has made several impactful hires since taking over the program, and the Longhorns have shown that they can continue to recruit and develop talent even in the face of coaching turnover. If Choice does leave, Sarkisian will need to find a suitable replacement who can maintain the momentum Texas has built in the running back room. This will be no small task, but the program’s continued success will depend on its ability to weather the storm.

What’s Next for Tashard Choice?

For Tashard Choice, the opportunity to interview with the Dallas Cowboys represents a significant career move. The NFL has always been an enticing destination for coaches, especially those with aspirations of climbing the ranks to the highest level of football. As a former NFL player and someone who has proven himself in the college ranks, Choice would likely see this as a step forward in his career.

Should he accept the position, Choice would be tasked with not only developing the running backs on the roster but also helping create a more balanced and effective offense for the Cowboys. His experience in both college and professional football would be invaluable in this role, as he has seen the game from both sides and understands what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.

Conclusion

Tashard Choice’s reported interview with the Dallas Cowboys signals a pivotal moment in his coaching career. Whether he stays at Texas or moves to the NFL, his impact on both the college and professional game has already been profound. For Texas, losing Choice would be a setback, but it’s one the program would eventually overcome, given its strength and resilience. For the Cowboys, hiring Choice could be the missing piece in revitalizing their running game and achieving long-term success.

As for Tashard Choice himself, the future remains bright, and whether he continues to develop running backs at Texas or takes the leap to the NFL, he is poised to remain one of the most respected and sought-after coaches in the game.