Everyone from the Detroit Lions who has met with the media at the combine has praised new running backs coach Tashard Choice as a fantastic hire.
Head coach Dan Campbell admitted he wasn’t sure they’d even be able to land him. General manager Brad Holmes backed that up, calling it a major addition and expressing full confidence that Choice will be a perfect fit. New defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard also called Choice one of his closest friends, adding they’ve spoken daily for the past decade.
Choice also played a key role in recruiting Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to Georgia Tech. When MLive did a deep dive on Gibbs earlier this year, everyone from his high school position coach to Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key credited Choice for getting him on their radar.
The former NFL running back spent the past couple of years coaching the position at Texas. Choice, now 40, interviewed with the Lions a few years ago, and Campbell is thrilled to finally have him on board.
“He’s probably one of the most sought-after running backs coaches to come out of college football in a long time,” Campbell said at the combine. “He’s going to do wonders for our running back room.
“I think he’s done a great job developing players everywhere he’s been… Two years ago, he was already on my radar. It didn’t work out back then, but that’s fine. Everything comes full circle, and this just feels right now. I think he’s very talented. He’s played the position, coached at the college level, and understands what it takes at this level.”
Campbell added that Choice’s relationship with Gibbs is a natural bonus, but he’s equally confident that veteran David Montgomery will be a fan.
Holmes explained that Choice’s name repeatedly came up when he was out scouting, always mentioned as a rising star. Holmes admitted he was shocked the Lions managed to pry him away from Texas and adjust their staff to make room.
“He’s one of those guys I never thought we’d actually land, and we’re just so happy we did,” Holmes said. “This is a huge hire, and he’s such a natural fit…”
Choice inherits a running back room with two proven stars at the top. Gibbs led the NFL with 20 touchdowns in just his second year. Montgomery has racked up 1,790 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns in two seasons with Detroit, providing the physical punch in their beloved ground game.
With Choice now in the fold, and after assistant coach Antwaan Randle El left for Chicago, the Lions moved Scottie Montgomery to wide receivers coach, while keeping him as assistant head coach. Scottie Montgomery has experience playing and coaching wide receiver at both the college and NFL levels, which Campbell says makes him a perfect fit.
“I think this move is great for us,” Campbell said. “Scottie is a massive asset, and this allows him to take over the entire receiver room and help shape our passing game. He’ll work closely with (passing game coordinator) David Shaw.
“He’s going to make a big impact. He’s gone from focusing on the run game and running backs to coaching a larger group. He’ll play a key role in developing the passing attack.”
