Report: Cowboys set to interview Tashard Choice for their coaching staff

The Dallas Cowboys have always been a franchise known for making bold moves, from player acquisitions to coaching decisions. As the 2025 offseason begins to take shape, the Cowboys are making another significant stride to potentially strengthen their coaching staff. According to recent reports, the Cowboys are set to interview Tashard Choice, a former NFL running back and current assistant coach, for a position on their coaching staff.

This interview is generating considerable interest among Cowboys fans, analysts, and NFL enthusiasts alike, as Choice has a unique blend of playing experience, coaching aptitude, and understanding of the game. If hired, Tashard Choice could play a pivotal role in shaping the Cowboys’ running game and providing a fresh perspective for their offensive scheme.

In this article, we’ll dive into who Tashard Choice is, his background in both playing and coaching, the potential impact he could have on the Cowboys, and what his hiring might signal about the team’s direction in 2025.

Who is Tashard Choice?

Tashard Choice is a former NFL running back who played for several teams throughout his career, including the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Football Team. Born on July 20, 1986, in Lufkin, Texas, Choice’s journey to the NFL was a testament to his resilience and ability to make the most of his opportunities.

Choice played his college football at Georgia Tech, where he was known for his excellent vision, solid running technique, and ability to break tackles. He had a standout career with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, rushing for over 3,000 yards and earning All-ACC honors in 2007. His performance at Georgia Tech led to his selection in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round.

Although his time in the NFL was relatively brief, Tashard Choice showed flashes of potential. He spent four seasons in the league (2008-2011) and had stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Football Team. Although he wasn’t a star running back, Choice earned a reputation as a reliable and hardworking player who could provide a spark when needed.

After his playing days ended, Choice turned to coaching, utilizing the knowledge he gained as a player to guide young athletes. His transition from player to coach was a natural one, as he possessed a strong understanding of the game and a desire to give back to the sport that had given him so much. In recent years, he has established himself as an up-and-coming coach with the University of Georgia, where he has served in various roles, including running backs coach and offensive quality control.

Now, Choice’s return to the NFL as a coach has been a topic of discussion, especially with the possibility of him rejoining the Cowboys, the team he once played for. The interview represents a potentially crucial step in his coaching career, as joining the Cowboys would provide him with an opportunity to work at the highest level of the game.

The Cowboys’ Current Coaching Staff and Needs

The Dallas Cowboys are a team with championship aspirations, and after a solid 2024 season, they are looking to continue building toward a Super Bowl. However, there are always areas for improvement, and one of those areas is the team’s running game. While the Cowboys have one of the most dynamic and talented quarterbacks in Dak Prescott, their running game has been inconsistent at times, with Tony Pollard showing flashes of brilliance but lacking consistent support from the offensive line and coaching staff.

The Cowboys have already made changes to their coaching staff in the past few years, including the hiring of Mike McCarthy as head coach and the addition of Kellen Moore as the offensive coordinator. While McCarthy has had success with the Cowboys, especially in terms of regular-season performance, the offense has been criticized for its lack of creativity and inconsistency in big games. This is where an experienced, knowledgeable running backs coach could make a difference.

With the Cowboys’ offense needing to improve their ground game, bringing in a coach with a strong understanding of the running back position could be crucial. Tashard Choice, with his experience both as a player and a coach, would fit the bill. His understanding of the nuances of running the ball, creating space for running backs, and developing game plans for the position would be a welcomed addition to the team.

Additionally, Choice’s relationship with the Cowboys franchise could help him integrate seamlessly into the locker room. Having played for the Cowboys in his NFL career, he is familiar with the culture and the team’s inner workings. His ability to relate to the players, especially the running backs, would allow him to connect with them in ways that a coach without that personal history may not be able to.

Why Tashard Choice is a Strong Candidate

There are several reasons why Tashard Choice is a standout candidate to join the Cowboys’ coaching staff, and these reasons go beyond his history with the franchise. Let’s break down the qualities that make him an excellent fit for the position:

1. Playing Experience

While many coaches in the NFL have transitioned from being players to coaches, Tashard Choice’s experience as a former running back is invaluable. He knows what it takes to succeed at the position, from recognizing defensive fronts to reading the holes in the offensive line. He understands the importance of vision, patience, and agility in making plays. This hands-on experience is something that few can teach, but it’s something that can resonate deeply with running backs, especially those trying to hone their skills at the professional level.

Choice’s personal experiences will also allow him to relate to his players on a deeper level. As a former player who competed in the NFL, he knows the grind, the mental toughness required, and the need to stay focused during both the highs and lows of the season. His playing career gives him credibility in the eyes of the players, especially those in the running back room.

2. Coaching Experience

Since his playing career ended, Tashard Choice has gained valuable coaching experience, especially at the collegiate level. He has worked as the running backs coach at Georgia Tech, and his ability to develop young talent has been widely recognized. Choice has a proven track record of improving players’ technical skills, helping them understand the importance of reading defenses, and teaching them how to be effective in both the passing and running games.

Choice’s reputation as a hard worker and teacher makes him an ideal candidate for an NFL coaching staff. He has experience breaking down complex concepts into digestible information for players, allowing them to improve their game. The running backs in Dallas would benefit from his guidance in refining their technique, understanding blocking schemes, and excelling in all aspects of the game.

3. Familiarity with the Cowboys

One of the unique aspects of Tashard Choice’s potential hiring is his personal connection to the Dallas Cowboys. As a former player, Choice has firsthand experience with the team’s culture, expectations, and pressure that comes with playing for a historic franchise. His experience with the Cowboys gives him an edge in terms of understanding the organization’s vision and how to approach his coaching responsibilities. He knows what it means to be part of “America’s Team” and can pass on that understanding to the current roster.

This familiarity with the Cowboys will also benefit his ability to integrate with the team’s existing coaching staff. Having a former player who knows the culture can act as a bridge between the front office, coaching staff, and players, creating a seamless transition. It’s important for any coach to quickly establish trust and credibility, and for Choice, this would be a natural process due to his shared history with the franchise.

4. Development of Players

A key component of any successful coach is their ability to develop talent. Tashard Choice has shown an ability to develop running backs, both in terms of their physical skills and their mental approach to the game. At Georgia Tech, he helped players improve their decision-making and increase their overall productivity on the field. His focus on technique, understanding defenses, and situational awareness has helped running backs reach their full potential.

In the NFL, where talent is abundant, the difference between a good and great player is often development and coaching. A player like Tony Pollard, for example, who is already a dynamic athlete, could take his game to another level under the tutelage of someone like Choice. His guidance could be invaluable in making Pollard a more complete back, improving his pass protection, vision, and ability to read the defense.

Potential Impact on the Cowboys’ Running Game

If hired, Tashard Choice would have the opportunity to work with some promising young talent in the Cowboys’ running back room. Tony Pollard, who has shown flashes of brilliance, could benefit from Choice’s mentorship in improving his overall consistency and decision-making. Pollard has the athleticism and vision to be one of the NFL’s top running backs, and having a coach with the right experience could push him toward achieving that potential.

Additionally, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn, two of the Cowboys’ other running backs, could also benefit from Choice’s teachings. Both players have the potential to contribute in a larger role, but their development will depend heavily on coaching. Choice’s ability to develop and refine their skills would be crucial to the team’s success moving forward.

By strengthening the running back position through improved coaching, the Cowboys could add another dimension to their offense, making them more balanced and harder to defend. A dynamic ground game would take pressure off Dak Prescott and allow the Cowboys to be more versatile in their offensive schemes.