The Daily Drive: New Lions RBs Coach Tashard Choice ‘A Genius When It Comes to the Running Back Position’

When the Detroit Lions hired Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach, they added not only a seasoned veteran of the NFL but also a coach whose understanding of the running back position is described by many as nothing short of genius. Choice, who carved out his own NFL career as a running back and has since honed his coaching skills, represents a crucial piece of the Lions’ efforts to transform their offense and develop a more balanced, dynamic attack.

Tashard Choice: From Player to Coach

Tashard Choice’s journey to the NFL, and later to his position as a respected coach, started in the small town of Thomasville, Georgia. Growing up in Georgia, he was always surrounded by football culture, a place where high school football is a way of life. His path to greatness began at the University of Georgia, where he was an integral part of a powerful offense. However, it was at the University of Oklahoma, where he transferred to continue his college career, that Choice made a real name for himself.

Though his time in college was marred by injuries, Choice’s determination and his ability to break tackles, push through defensive lines, and make big plays on key downs drew the attention of NFL scouts. In 2008, he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

His rookie season proved to be pivotal in his development as a professional. Choice quickly became a reliable backup for star running back Marion Barber. However, injuries took their toll, and he played for several NFL teams, including the Washington Commanders, the Buffalo Bills, and the Arizona Cardinals. By the time he retired from playing, Choice had accumulated over 1,000 yards rushing and had become well-versed in all aspects of the running back position.

It was his understanding of the position, his work ethic, and his leadership on and off the field that eventually steered him toward coaching.

A Rising Star in Coaching

After his retirement, Choice turned to coaching, starting as a coaching intern with the Atlanta Falcons. His role grew quickly, and by 2019, he was promoted to the running backs coach position for the Falcons, where he earned a reputation for developing young talent. His work with the Falcons’ running backs helped the team maintain a consistent running game even amid a shifting offensive scheme.

In 2021, Choice moved to the University of North Carolina, where he was hired as the running backs coach. During his time with the Tar Heels, Choice had a tremendous impact on the development of multiple standout players. One of the most notable players was Javonte Williams, a powerful and elusive runner who eventually became a second-round pick for the Denver Broncos in the 2021 NFL Draft. Williams credited much of his development to Choice’s coaching, as the two worked closely together to improve Williams’ vision, ball security, and decision-making.

Choice’s ability to break down the running back position in ways that make it easier for his players to understand and execute is part of why he has earned the nickname “a genius when it comes to the running back position.” His coaching philosophy focuses not just on running, but on the entire mental and physical process that makes a running back great: vision, patience, timing, footwork, ball security, and understanding blocking schemes.

Tashard Choice’s Coaching Philosophy

When talking about his coaching philosophy, Choice often emphasizes a holistic approach to developing running backs. “It’s all about creating the right mindset,” Choice has said in interviews. “I want my guys to have the right mentality to read defenses, know when to be patient, and when to explode. You have to understand that every play is different. Every block, every defender, every hole in the line — all those things are different every time. The key is to react instinctively but to also be aware.”

For Choice, it’s not just about getting running backs to gain yardage but to do so efficiently. He often uses film study as a tool for teaching players how to evaluate defenses and anticipate movements before they happen. According to Choice, the best running backs are always two or three steps ahead of the defense. It’s the difference between a five-yard gain and a 20-yard gain — and sometimes, it’s the difference between a touchdown and a tackle for loss.

For running backs, vision is critical, but so is patience. Choice coaches his players to wait for the right moment to accelerate through a hole, rather than rushing into a situation that could lead to a negative play. Patience doesn’t just apply to on-the-field movements but also to the mental game. It’s about staying calm under pressure and making the right decisions even when the game gets fast and intense.

Developing the Lions’ Running Back Room

When the Detroit Lions hired Tashard Choice, it was clear they were looking to bolster their offensive game. While the Lions had some strong individual performances from running backs like D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams in recent years, the team lacked consistency in their ground attack. Under the new coaching regime of head coach Dan Campbell, who emphasized a more physical and balanced offense, the Lions hoped to solidify their running game, and Choice was seen as a vital piece in making that happen.

As a running backs coach, Tashard Choice has a challenging yet rewarding task ahead of him: taking a talented but sometimes inconsistent group of running backs and turning them into a cohesive unit capable of pushing the Lions to greater offensive success.

D’Andre Swift, in particular, has been a point of focus. Swift has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, with excellent acceleration and burst through the line, but he has also struggled with injuries and maintaining consistency. Under Choice’s guidance, Swift will likely be expected to take a more significant role, mastering the art of patience and making better decisions when it comes to when to cut, when to burst, and how to maximize each carry.

Similarly, the Lions have added a few younger running backs with high upside, and Choice’s experience coaching younger talent could be instrumental in developing them into key contributors. The importance of depth in the running back room cannot be overstated, and having a coach with the expertise and understanding to elevate multiple players will be invaluable.

Beyond the individual talents of the players, Choice will also work closely with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to implement running schemes that can create the most favorable situations for his players. The key for the Lions will be developing a balanced offense that forces defenses to respect both the pass and the run.

Choice’s Impact on the Lions’ Long-Term Future

One of the most exciting aspects of Tashard Choice’s arrival in Detroit is the potential for long-term development in the running back position. The Lions are building for the future, and a consistently strong ground game could become a cornerstone of their success. In a league that has increasingly emphasized passing, running backs like those coached by Choice can offer a unique advantage, giving the offense a physical, hard-nosed approach that can complement the dynamic passing attack the Lions have been developing under quarterback Jared Goff.

Moreover, the way Choice approaches the development of his running backs can also help the Lions maximize the shelf life of their star players. Through teaching the proper techniques for ball security, vision, and endurance, he can make sure that his running backs are not just explosive in the short term but capable of performing at a high level for several years to come. This could be vital for building a sustainable offensive identity that relies on both talent and discipline.

The Future of the Lions’ Running Back Corps Under Choice

As the Lions move into the 2025 season and beyond, the work that Tashard Choice does with his running backs will be crucial. With the increasing importance of a balanced offense in the modern NFL, Detroit’s ability to dominate on the ground will be a key element of their overall success. Choice has the potential to transform the running back group into one of the team’s strongest units, providing a steady presence in the backfield that can both wear down defenses and create explosive plays.

In his role, Choice will also continue to evolve as a coach, learning from each experience and refining his methods. His growing reputation as a “genius” when it comes to the position will not only benefit the current Lions roster but could also have lasting effects on the NFL as a whole. After all, if there’s one thing Tashard Choice has proved, it’s that his understanding of the running back position is unparalleled, and he’s ready to use that knowledge to help the Lions succeed for years to come.

Tashard Choice is not just another coach — he’s a dynamic, innovative figure who brings a deep understanding of what makes running backs tick. With his help, the Lions hope to cultivate a group of running backs that can contribute consistently, elevate the offense, and take the team to new heights. While it’s too early to predict exactly how the running back room will look under his leadership, there’s little doubt that Choice’s coaching will be a key factor in Detroit’s future success.