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Lions Hire Familiar Face: Tashard Choice Returns to Coach Jahmyr Gibbs

Tashard Choice: A Familiar Face for Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit's Backfield Revival

In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL coaching staffs, the Detroit Lions have made a strategic addition to their offensive brain trust by hiring Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach. This move, announced amid the team's push to build on recent successes, carries a particularly intriguing layer: Choice isn't a stranger to one of the Lions' rising stars, Jahmyr Gibbs. Their shared history dates back to Gibbs' college days, forging a bond that could prove instrumental in elevating Detroit's ground game to new heights.

Choice, a former NFL running back himself, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2008, he spent parts of six seasons in the league, bouncing between teams like the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts. Known for his tough, physical running style and ability to grind out yards, Choice transitioned seamlessly into coaching after hanging up his cleats. His coaching journey began at the collegiate level, where he quickly established himself as a recruiter and developer of talent. Notably, he served as the running backs coach at Georgia Tech from 2019 to 2021, a period that overlapped with Gibbs' early college career.

It was at Georgia Tech that Choice first crossed paths with Gibbs, then a highly touted freshman recruit from Dalton, Georgia. Choice played a pivotal role in Gibbs' recruitment, recognizing the explosive potential in the young back who combined speed, agility, and vision in a compact frame. Under Choice's tutelage during Gibbs' freshman year in 2020, the running back showed flashes of brilliance, rushing for over 400 yards and four touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver out of the backfield. Choice's coaching philosophy emphasized fundamentals like footwork, ball security, and reading defenses—skills that Gibbs credits with laying the foundation for his later success.

Gibbs' time at Georgia Tech was brief; he transferred to Alabama after his sophomore season, seeking a bigger stage under Nick Saban. There, he blossomed into a first-round NFL draft prospect, showcasing the elite traits that made him the No. 12 overall pick by the Lions in the 2023 draft. But even after Gibbs left Georgia Tech, his relationship with Choice endured. The two stayed in touch, with Choice offering guidance and mentorship as Gibbs navigated the challenges of college football and prepared for the pros. This ongoing connection underscores Choice's reputation as a coach who invests deeply in his players' personal and professional growth.

Now reunited in Detroit, Choice steps into a role vacated by Scottie Montgomery, who departed for a position with the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions' running back room is already one of the league's most dynamic, featuring the thunder-and-lightning duo of Gibbs and veteran David Montgomery. Gibbs, in his rookie season, emerged as a versatile weapon, amassing over 900 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while adding value in the passing game with more than 50 receptions. Montgomery complemented him with a bruising style, helping the Lions rank among the top rushing offenses in the NFC. Choice's arrival is seen as a perfect fit, given his familiarity with Gibbs and his ability to refine the group's skills.

In interviews following his hiring, Choice expressed excitement about working with Gibbs again, highlighting how their prior rapport allows for immediate trust and communication. "Jahmyr is like family to me," Choice has said. "I've watched him grow from a raw talent into a pro-ready back. Now, we get to build on that foundation and push him even further." He emphasized his coaching approach, which focuses on attention to detail—things like improving pad level, enhancing burst through the hole, and maximizing yards after contact. Choice also plans to work closely with Montgomery, drawing from his own experiences as a complementary back in the NFL to help the duo operate in harmony.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell, known for his gritty, player-centric style, praised the hire, noting Choice's energy and expertise. "Tashard brings that fire we love here in Detroit," Campbell remarked. "He's been in the trenches as a player and knows what it takes to succeed at this level. With his history with Jahmyr, it's like adding a coach who already speaks the same language as one of our key guys." This sentiment echoes throughout the organization, where building chemistry and continuity is a priority as the Lions aim to contend for a Super Bowl.

Beyond Gibbs, Choice's influence could extend to the entire offense. His time at other programs, including a stint at North Texas and most recently at Texas as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator, has honed his ability to identify and nurture talent. At Texas, he helped develop backs like Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, both of whom went on to the NFL. This track record suggests Choice could play a role in scouting and developing future Lions running backs, perhaps through the draft or free agency.

The reunion also highlights broader themes in NFL coaching: the value of personal connections in a high-stakes environment. For Gibbs, having a familiar voice in the room could accelerate his development into an All-Pro caliber player. He's already shown glimpses of stardom, with breakaway runs and clutch performances in key games. Choice's presence might help him refine inconsistencies, such as occasional fumbles or decision-making in crowded backfields, turning good into great.

As the Lions prepare for the upcoming season, this coaching addition injects fresh momentum into a team on the rise. Detroit's offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and coordinator Ben Johnson, has been potent, but strengthening the run game remains crucial for playoff success. Choice's expertise, combined with his bond with Gibbs, positions the Lions' backfield as a potential powerhouse. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this dynamic unfolds, potentially transforming the Lions from contenders to champions.

In a league where relationships can make or break careers, Tashard Choice's return to Jahmyr Gibbs' orbit feels like more than coincidence—it's a calculated step toward sustained excellence in the Motor City. With training camp on the horizon, the focus will be on translating that familiarity into on-field results, as Choice helps mold Gibbs and the rest of the running backs into the engine driving Detroit's ambitions. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45909474/new-detroit-lions-rbs-coach-tashard-choice-isnt-new-jahmyr-gibbs ]