The Detroit Lions are making moves to finalize their revamped coaching staff. As initially reported by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and confirmed by others, they are set to hire University of Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach.

In a related move, as reported by Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network and others, assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery will take over from Antwaan Randle El as the Lions’ wide receivers coach. Montgomery, a former wide receiver, has prior coaching experience in the position, having worked with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2010-2012) and Duke (2013) as part of his extensive career.

Choice, a fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys out of Georgia Tech in 2008, 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 with the Cowboys in 2016 before moving to North Texas for two years (first as a grad assistant, then as running backs coach). He spent the following three years as the running backs coach at Georgia Tech (2019-2021) before moving on to Texas for the past three seasons.

At Texas, Choice coached notable players like Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

At Georgia Tech, Choice had the opportunity to coach Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs for two years (2020-2021) before Gibbs transferred to Alabama and Choice went to Texas.

After the Lions drafted Gibbs No. 12 overall in 2023, Montgomery mentioned Choice’s impact 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 shared, via Pride of Detroit. “Tremendous amount of respect for the way they coach. I know both of those guys.”

Choice should integrate well into the Lions’ staff, given his close relationship with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.

Additionally, as reported by Rogers, new assistant coach Tyler Roehl will replace Steve Heiden as the Lions’ tight ends coach.