Tashard Choice Rumored As Dallas Cowboys Coaching Candidate: A Potential Game-Changer

In the ever-changing world of professional sports, the Texas Longhorns football program and the Dallas Cowboys are two of the most prominent names. Both teams represent a rich history of success, passionate fanbases, and high expectations for their respective performances. Recently, rumors have emerged linking former Texas Longhorns running back Tashard Choice to a potential coaching position with the Dallas Cowboys. With his connection to both teams, the whispers surrounding his possible promotion have ignited excitement and speculation among fans and analysts alike.

This article will delve into Tashard Choice’s football journey, his potential fit with the Cowboys, and the broader implications of his rumored candidacy. From his early days in high school to his successful college and professional career, Choice has built a legacy that has led many to believe he could one day take the leap into coaching. But with the NFL’s ever-changing landscape and the high stakes involved, what would his role be with the Cowboys, and how might it affect the team’s future?

Tashard Choice: From Texas Longhorns Star to Coaching Prospect

The Early Years: High School to College

Tashard Choice’s path to prominence began long before he donned the burnt orange of the Texas Longhorns. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Choice was a standout high school athlete at Washington High School. As one of the top running back recruits in the state, he attracted attention from several college programs. Ultimately, he chose to play for the University of Georgia, where he had the opportunity to showcase his skills on a major stage.

However, in a twist of fate, Choice transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he earned accolades as a key player in the Sooners’ offense. After several successful seasons, he declared for the 2008 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round.

NFL Career

Choice spent several seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, although his career was also marked by brief stints with the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills. While his time in the league wasn’t characterized by stardom, Choice made a name for himself as a reliable backup running back, contributing to the Cowboys’ offense with solid performances when called upon.

As a player, Choice’s most notable contributions came as a versatile, hard-nosed runner with the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He was praised for his football IQ and work ethic, qualities that helped him survive and thrive in the competitive NFL environment. Even after his playing days, Choice remained involved in the game, taking on mentoring and leadership roles with younger athletes, which naturally led him toward coaching as a potential next step in his career.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring from playing football, Tashard Choice shifted his focus toward coaching. His first major coaching opportunity came when he took a position with the Texas Longhorns as a running backs coach. Here, Choice flourished as a mentor to young players, using his experience to develop athletes at the collegiate level.

While at Texas, Choice became known for his ability to connect with his players on a personal level, offering guidance both on and off the field. His unique perspective as a former NFL player gave him instant credibility with recruits, and many began to take notice of his potential as a future head coach.

In addition to his coaching duties, Choice’s name continued to circulate in the coaching circles, especially within Texas and the broader NFL community. His combination of passion for the game, knowledge, and communication skills made him an intriguing candidate for higher-profile coaching roles.

Why Tashard Choice Could Be the Right Fit for the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys, under the ownership of Jerry Jones, have long been a team defined by its high expectations and pressure to perform. Whether it’s at the head coach or assistant coach level, the Cowboys have gone through a number of changes over the years in an effort to get back to championship contention. With recent struggles and an inconsistent coaching staff, the rumors surrounding Tashard Choice as a potential coaching candidate have only gained momentum.

An Understanding of the Cowboys’ Culture

As a former player for the Cowboys, Choice already has an intimate understanding of the team’s culture. The expectations in Dallas are unique, with an emphasis on winning championships and maintaining a brand that is recognized worldwide. Choice’s prior experience with the Cowboys’ organization could allow him to hit the ground running should he be hired in any capacity.

Moreover, as someone who has both played in the NFL and coached at the collegiate level, Choice could bring a balanced perspective to the Cowboys’ coaching staff. He would be able to relate to players both at the professional and developmental stages, which is vital in a league where player development is as important as scheme implementation.

The Case for a Running Backs Coach

Given that Tashard Choice’s specialty is in coaching running backs, one potential area where he could fit in is as the Cowboys’ running backs coach. The Cowboys have always had a strong commitment to running the football, with some of the league’s most famous running backs, like Emmitt Smith, Ezekiel Elliott, and Tony Pollard, having played in Dallas. With Pollard expected to be a key component of the Cowboys’ offensive strategy for years to come, having a running backs coach who can develop him into an elite player would be essential.

Tashard Choice’s background as a solid running back and his experience coaching players like Bijan Robinson (one of the nation’s top running backs at Texas) give him the tools to potentially take the Cowboys’ running game to the next level. Whether it’s improving Pollard’s vision and cutting ability or developing younger backs on the roster, Choice has the expertise to play a significant role in the team’s offensive strategy.

A Future Offensive Coordinator or Head Coach?

While Choice’s initial rumored connection with the Cowboys revolves around the running backs coach position, many believe that his potential with the team could extend further. Given his football IQ, leadership qualities, and ability to connect with players, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could eventually work his way into a higher-ranking position such as offensive coordinator or even head coach.

The Cowboys have gone through a variety of offensive coordinators over the past several years, and the team has been seeking stability in that area. While Mike McCarthy currently serves as the head coach, there has been speculation about how long he will remain in charge. Should McCarthy’s tenure end or should the team want a change in direction on the offensive side, Choice could be a candidate to fill the void.

Additionally, Choice’s track record of success at Texas and his relationships with NFL players could position him as a respected figure in the NFL coaching community. His blend of college experience, professional playing background, and rapport with players makes him an appealing prospect for those looking to build a well-rounded, player-first coaching staff.

The Cowboys’ Current Coaching Situation

Before diving into the prospects of hiring Tashard Choice, it’s essential to consider the current coaching structure of the Dallas Cowboys. Mike McCarthy, who took over as head coach in 2020, has had mixed results. While the Cowboys have consistently reached the playoffs, they have failed to make deep postseason runs, leading to questions about McCarthy’s future with the team.

The Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, has also been in the spotlight. Although the team’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance, it has often lacked consistency. With Dak Prescott as the quarterback and a solid offensive line, the Cowboys’ offensive staff could certainly benefit from a fresh perspective.

In this context, Tashard Choice could serve as a potential asset in any of these positions. Whether as a running backs coach, offensive coordinator, or in a more specialized role, his addition to the coaching staff could help the Cowboys refine their approach and improve their overall performance.

The Broader Implications for the NFL

Tashard Choice’s potential rise to a coaching role with the Dallas Cowboys would also have significant implications for the NFL as a whole. The league has seen a growing trend of former players transitioning into coaching, with successful examples including Mike Tomlin, Sean McVay, and Kyle Shanahan. This shift has created a pathway for former players to apply their game knowledge and leadership experience to coaching roles, and Choice could be a part of this new wave.

His appointment to a prominent position would also send a message about the NFL’s willingness to embrace new ideas and fresh perspectives in leadership. As more and more players from diverse backgrounds move into coaching roles, the NFL is becoming a more dynamic and forward-thinking league. Choice’s rumored candidacy could be part of this trend, leading to more former players making the jump into coaching positions.