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Longhorns can’t keep this rising assistant coach from jumping to a perfect NFL spot after all

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brian Davis | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 12:10 PM ET

Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice has long been considered a rising star in the profession. But he just can’t jump to any job. It has to be the right one.

Choice interviewed with the Dallas Cowboys about their open running backs coaching job under new coach Brian Schottenheimer. That would have been a risky career move considering the Cowboys are under the thumb of the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders in the NFC East.

But this new job destination could be perfect.

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Choice has told close friends that he plans on leaving Texas for the Detroit Lions, according to reports from Inside Texas and OnTexasFootball. If that’s indeed the case, the best Texas coach Steve Sarkisian can do is wish him well.

Texas RB coach Tashard Choice has told folks he is headed to Detroit to take an assistant coach position with the Detroit Lions. #HookEm
— Bobby Burton (@BobbyBurtonOTF) February 13, 2025

The Detroit #Lions are expected to hire Texas’ Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports https://t.co/qOetA1jj8s pic.twitter.com/z9cD0K3Tv1
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 13, 2025

After the Cowboys interview, Choice was believed to be in line for a raise and new contract with the Longhorns.

Choice would be joining Dan Campbell’s rising team, one that cruised through the regular season but got upset in the NFC Divisional round.

Choice joined the Longhorns in 2021 with Sarkisian in his first season. During that time, Texas has grown from a 5-7 club to one that reached the College Football Playoffs in back-to-back seasons, won the Big 12 in 2023 and reached the SEC championship game in 2024.

The running back room was a huge reason why the offense flourished. This season, CJ Baxter was lost for the year during preseason practice, but Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner combined to have a successful ground game.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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