The Dallas Cowboys have recently conducted an interview with Tashard Choice, the current running backs coach for the Texas Longhorns, as part of their efforts to strengthen their coaching staff. Choice, a former NFL running back, has garnered attention for his success in developing talent at the collegiate level.
Interviewer: Coach Choice, thank you for joining us today.
Tashard Choice: Thank you for having me.
Interviewer: You’ve had a notable career both as a player and a coach. Could you share a bit about your journey from playing in the NFL to coaching at the collegiate level?
Tashard Choice: Certainly. After my playing days in the NFL, I felt a strong pull towards coaching. I wanted to give back to the game and help young athletes develop both on and off the field. Joining the coaching staff at the University of North Texas was my first step, and eventually, I had the opportunity to coach running backs at the University of Texas. It’s been a rewarding journey.
Interviewer: Your work with the Longhorns has been widely praised. What do you believe has been the key to your success in developing running backs?
Tashard Choice: It’s about understanding each player’s strengths and areas for improvement. Building trust is crucial. I focus on technique, vision, and decision-making, but also on instilling confidence and a strong work ethic. Every player is different, and it’s important to tailor your approach to get the best out of each individual.
Interviewer: The Cowboys are looking to enhance their running game. How do you envision contributing to that goal if you were to join the coaching staff?
Tashard Choice: The NFL is a different beast, but the fundamentals remain the same. It’s about creating schemes that play to the strengths of your personnel and ensuring that players are prepared both mentally and physically. Emphasizing ball security, reading defenses, and making quick decisions are areas I would focus on.
Interviewer: You’ve been part of the Texas football community for a while now. How do you feel about the prospect of transitioning to the NFL, and specifically to the Cowboys organization?
Tashard Choice: The Cowboys are a storied franchise with a rich history. The opportunity to be part of that and to contribute at the professional level is something any coach would find appealing. While the transition would come with challenges, I believe my experiences have prepared me well for such a step.
Interviewer: In your view, what are the primary differences between coaching at the collegiate level and in the NFL?
Tashard Choice: At the collegiate level, you’re also a mentor, helping young men grow and navigate both football and life. In the NFL, players are professionals, and the focus shifts more towards refining skills and developing advanced strategies. The game is faster, and the margin for error is smaller.
Interviewer: The Cowboys have a mix of veteran and young talent in their running back corps. How would you approach coaching such a diverse group?
Tashard Choice: It’s important to recognize where each player is in their career. Veterans have experience and knowledge, so it’s about fine-tuning and keeping them sharp. Younger players might need more foundational work and guidance. Creating an environment where they can learn from each other is also beneficial.
Interviewer: Player health and longevity are crucial in the NFL. How do you balance pushing players to reach their potential while ensuring they remain healthy?
Tashard Choice: It’s a fine line. Monitoring workloads, emphasizing proper technique, and ensuring players understand the importance of recovery are key. Communication is vital; players need to feel comfortable discussing how they’re feeling so adjustments can be made as needed.
Interviewer: The NFL is constantly evolving. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and strategies in the game?
Tashard Choice: Continuous learning is part of the job. I attend coaching clinics, watch a lot of film, and stay in touch with other coaches to exchange ideas. Being adaptable and open to new concepts is crucial in this profession.
Interviewer: Lastly, what motivates you as a coach?
Tashard Choice: Seeing players succeed and reach their potential is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I can have a positive impact on their careers and lives drives me every day.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Coach Choice. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Tashard Choice: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
This interview provides insight into Tashard Choice’s coaching philosophy and his potential contributions to the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff.
