Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns had a great debut campaign in the SEC during the 2024 season. They made it to the conference championship where they unfortunately lost to the Georgia Bulldogs. The Longhorns also qualified for the 12-team college football playoffs.
The Longhorns won their first two games of the playoffs. However, Ohio State crushed their hopes of winning a natty in the Cotton Bowl semifinals. Now, as Sarkisian and his team prep for the upcoming season, they are dealt another damaging blow.
Steve Sarkisian Suffers a Blow to Coaching Staff as Tashard Choice Leaves for the NFL
Tashard Choice has been the Texas Longhorns’ running backs coach since 2022. However, on Thursday, it was reported that he is leaving Sarkisian’s coaching staff to join the Detroit Lions in the same position next season.
This news comes after Choice had declined to join the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month. This led to fans believing that he would continue coaching the Longhorns with the hope of winning a national championship. However, it looks like Choice reached an agreeable conclusion in his discussions with the Lions.
“I can confirm that Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice is leaving to join the Detroit Lions. Inside Texas was the first to report the story. I was told Choice informed the staff of his decision on Thursday morning. Choice was an excellent recruiter and coach. Big loss,” NFL reporter Anward Richardson tweeted.
I can confirm that Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice is leaving to join the Detroit Lions. Inside Texas was the first to report the story. I was told Choice informed the staff of his decision on Thursday morning. Choice was an excellent recruiter and coach. Big loss. pic.twitter.com/0yYQBMNneO
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) February 13, 2025
Choice had a great track record with the Texas Longhorns. He developed four NFL RB stars: Bijan Robinson, Keilan Robinson, Jonathan Brooks, and Roschon Johnson. His final top talent at the program was coaching Jaydon Blue, who received an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine this month.
Before joining Sarkisian’s team, Choice was the running backs coach at Georgia Tech, where he got the opportunity to coach Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs before he joined Alabama. Now, as he prepares to leave for the NFL, Choice will be reunited with Gibbs on the Lions.
Tashard Choice’s Departure Has Hampered Steve Sarkisian’s Recruitment
Choice was regarded as one of the best recruiters in college football. So when news of his departure was made public, it has already led to the Longhorns losing out on a top RB talent.
According to reports, the four-star RB prospect of the 2026 recruiting class, Ezavier Crowell, has canceled his visit to the Longhorns following Choice’s decision to join the Lions.
“I will no longer visit Texas June 6-8,” Crowell wrote on X.
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The loss of Crowell is a bit hit for Steve Sarkisian and his team. Hailing from Jackson, the four-star prospect still has official visits lined up with Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn in the summer.
According to On3, the Crimson Tide are the favorites to secure the commitment of Crowell.
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