The Detroit Lions are making changes to their coaching staff.
The Lions are finalizing their revamped coaching staff, with the latest move being the hiring of Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach. This was first reported by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and confirmed by others. Choice, who previously coached running backs at the University of Texas, will be joining the Lions’ staff.
In another move, according to Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network, assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery will take over as the Lions’ wide receivers coach, replacing Antwaan Randle El. Montgomery, a former wide receiver himself, has previous coaching experience in this role, having served as the wide receivers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2010-2012) and Duke (2013).
Lions hire Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach Choice was drafted in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys out of Georgia Tech in 2008 and played six seasons as a running back in the NFL with the Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts.
Choice began his coaching career in 2016 with the Cowboys, followed by two years at North Texas (first as a grad assistant, then as running backs coach), three years as running backs coach at Georgia Tech (2019-2021), and most recently, three years coaching at Texas.
At Texas, Choice coached notable players such as Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.
During his time at Georgia Tech, Choice worked with Lions’ running back Jahmyr Gibbs for two years (2020 and 2021) before Gibbs transferred to Alabama for his final season and Choice moved on to Texas.
When the Lions selected Gibbs 12th overall in 2023, Montgomery acknowledged the influence of Choice on that decision. “I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect not only for both programs (Gibbs) was at, but mainly the running backs coaches that had him, Tashard Choice and (Alabama RB coach Robert) Gillespie,” Montgomery said, via Pride of Detroit. “Tremendous amount of respect for the way they coach. I know both of those guys.”
Choice is expected to integrate smoothly into the Lions’ staff, as he shares a strong relationship with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
In addition to hiring Choice, Tyler Roehl will be the new tight ends coach, replacing Steve Heiden. This move was also confirmed by Rogers.
Leave a Reply