Tashard Choice Officially Says Goodbye to Texas Longhorns in Heartfelt Post

In the world of college football, transitions are inevitable. Coaches come and go, players graduate or move on to the professional ranks, and new faces constantly rise to prominence. But the departure of a beloved coach or player leaves a lasting impact on a program, its fans, and its community. This was exactly the case when Tashard Choice, the Texas Longhorns’ running backs coach, officially announced his departure from the program in a heartfelt post on social media.

As one of the most respected and well-liked figures on the Texas football staff, Choice’s decision to part ways with the Longhorns was a moment of reflection for both the coaching staff and the Longhorns’ fanbase. His announcement marked the end of an era for a team on the cusp of building something special, with the likes of Bijan Robinson emerging as a star under Choice’s tutelage.

In this article, we take a deep dive into the significance of Choice’s departure, his impact on the Texas Longhorns football program, his legacy as a coach, and the future of the running back room he leaves behind.

A Personal Farewell: Tashard Choice’s Heartfelt Message

On the day of his departure, Tashard Choice took to Instagram to express his gratitude and appreciation for his time with the Longhorns. In his emotional post, he thanked the entire Texas community — from the coaches and players to the fans who supported him throughout his tenure. His message was filled with sincerity, acknowledging how special it had been to work with such talented players and to be part of one of the most storied football programs in the country.

“This chapter in my life will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time I spent at Texas. The relationships I’ve built, the lessons I’ve learned, and the moments we’ve shared will last a lifetime. I’m proud of what we accomplished together, and I know the program is in good hands moving forward. Hook ‘Em.”

For a coach like Choice, who had built such strong personal relationships with his players, leaving a place like Texas had to have been a difficult decision. His commitment to helping young men reach their full potential both on and off the field was clear, and his love for the Longhorns was always evident in his coaching style.

However, Choice’s departure comes at a time when the Texas Longhorns football program is entering a new chapter of its own. With head coach Steve Sarkisian continuing to build the program and a recruiting class stacked with top-tier talent, the decision to leave may have been driven by personal or professional opportunities that could offer him a chance for further growth.

The Coaching Journey of Tashard Choice

Before analyzing the impact of his departure on the Longhorns, it’s important to understand the journey of Tashard Choice and what made him such an integral part of Texas football over the past few years.

Tashard Choice’s career began as a standout running back at the University of Georgia Tech, where he earned recognition for his explosive speed, vision, and leadership on the field. His playing career was marked by strong performances and accolades, including an impressive showing in the 2007 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys. Though he had a relatively short professional playing career, Choice’s passion for the game never waned. After transitioning from player to coach, Choice quickly made his mark as an exceptional running backs coach.

When he joined the Texas Longhorns staff in 2020 under coach Steve Sarkisian, Choice was given the responsibility of mentoring one of the most coveted running back corps in the nation. His work with the Texas running backs was immediately noticeable, and his impact was felt almost immediately. As the running backs coach, Choice helped develop and elevate the skill sets of players who would go on to become stars, most notably Bijan Robinson.

Choice’s Legacy at Texas: A Rising Star in Coaching

Bijan Robinson, one of the most highly regarded running backs in college football history, became a household name under Tashard Choice’s tutelage. Robinson, who was already a talented player, reached new heights with Choice’s guidance, leading him to become a Heisman candidate and one of the top running back prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Under Choice, Robinson displayed his full array of skills — from his vision and patience to his ability to break tackles and outrun defenders. Choice’s coaching philosophy focused on technique, discipline, and creating well-rounded backs who could impact every phase of the game. Robinson’s success was a direct reflection of Choice’s ability to bring out the best in his players and challenge them to be more than just good runners.

But Robinson wasn’t the only success story from the Texas running back room. Choice also played a significant role in developing Roschon Johnson, who proved to be a versatile and dependable presence in the backfield. Johnson, a former quarterback turned running back, flourished under Choice’s coaching and became a key player for the Longhorns during his time in Austin.

Choice’s running backs didn’t just showcase their athleticism on the field — they were also known for their work ethic and leadership. Choice instilled a professional attitude in his players, pushing them to be mentally tough, dedicated, and team-oriented. Whether it was during the grueling summer workouts or intense in-season practices, Choice’s focus on accountability and discipline paid off in both individual and team successes.

Texas running backs became known for their physicality, versatility, and ability to make an impact in both the running and passing game. This well-rounded approach became a hallmark of Choice’s coaching style and cemented his reputation as one of the best running backs coaches in college football.

The Impact on Texas Football and Sarkisian’s Program

Tashard Choice’s departure comes at a critical moment for the Texas Longhorns football program. Under Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have begun to make strides toward returning to national relevance. The team’s recruitment is on the rise, and with players like Arch Manning and Xavier Worthy on the horizon, Texas is poised for success in the near future. The program has gained momentum, and the expectation is that they will become a perennial contender in the SEC once they make the transition.

But with Choice’s exit, there is an undeniable void in the coaching staff. As the team transitions from the Big 12 to the SEC in 2025, Sarkisian’s staff will need to be ready to face the heightened competition. The coaching decisions made in the next few years will play a critical role in determining the program’s success, especially in a conference as competitive as the SEC.

The Running Back Room: Next Steps for Texas

In the short term, the Longhorns will need to find a suitable replacement for Choice. This will be no easy task, as his coaching acumen and rapport with the players were a key part of Texas’ recent successes. The Texas running back room is still stacked with talent, including Jonathon Brooks, who will look to fill the void left by Robinson’s departure to the NFL. The running back position remains one of the most important in Sarkisian’s offense, and having a coach who understands how to develop elite backs is crucial for maintaining the team’s high level of play.

For Sarkisian, this is a pivotal moment in the program’s development. While losing a coach as influential as Choice is certainly a setback, it also provides an opportunity for fresh ideas and new leadership to emerge within the running back room. Sarkisian and his staff will need to identify a coach who can build on the foundation that Choice left behind and continue to develop the next wave of talented running backs who will help drive the Longhorns’ offensive success.

A Fond Farewell: The Texas Longhorns Community Reflects

As Tashard Choice steps away from his role with the Longhorns, the reaction from the Texas community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Longhorns players, former players, and fans alike have expressed their gratitude for the impact that Choice had on the program. In particular, Bijan Robinson took to social media to share his thanks for everything Choice did for him during his time at Texas.

“Coach Choice, thank you for believing in me and pushing me to be the best version of myself. You made me a better player, but more importantly, you made me a better man. I’ll carry the lessons you taught me with me for the rest of my life.”

It’s clear that Choice’s legacy at Texas goes beyond just football. He helped shape the lives of his players and played a key role in creating a culture of success, accountability, and growth. His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but the lessons he imparted on his players will remain a cornerstone of Texas football for years to come.

Looking Forward: Texas’ Bright Future

While Tashard Choice’s departure is bittersweet, the Texas Longhorns remain focused on the future. With the foundation laid by Choice and his ability to develop elite talent, the running back room is in good hands. The transition to the SEC will undoubtedly present new challenges, but with the program’s continued growth under Steve Sarkisian, Texas is positioning itself for success on the national stage.

Tashard Choice may be leaving the Texas Longhorns, but his legacy will live on in the players he mentored, the lessons he imparted, and the impact he had on the program. Texas fans will always remember the contributions of this exceptional coach, and his influence on the