The world of college football is always buzzing with change. Coaches, players, and staff come and go, and sometimes, the shifts are as sudden as they are significant. One of the most unexpected developments recently in Texas football was the departure of running backs coach Tashard Choice. While no one anticipated this happening at the time, upon further reflection, his exit is neither as shocking nor as surprising as it may initially seem.
Choice’s departure from Texas is something that will undoubtedly have long-lasting effects on both the program and its players. However, it also highlights the complex dynamics that exist within college football programs, especially when it comes to coaching staffs and the role of assistant coaches in shaping the future of a team.
**Tashard Choice’s Exit: Unexpected, But Not Surprising**
At first glance, Tashard Choice’s exit from Texas seemed to come out of nowhere. He was regarded as a vital part of the coaching staff, playing an instrumental role in the development of the Longhorns’ running backs, particularly Bijan Robinson, one of the top running back prospects in recent memory. Choice had earned a solid reputation for his ability to connect with players, develop talent, and contribute to the team’s overall success on the field. As a former running back himself, Choice had credibility among his players, which made his coaching tenure with Texas even more impactful.
However, once the news of his departure hit, there were subtle clues that this move might not have been as unexpected as it appeared. Coaching changes, especially those that involve assistant coaches, often happen quietly, behind closed doors. The competitive nature of college football means that staff members are constantly looking for new opportunities, and the demands on their time and energy are immense. It’s not uncommon for coaches to seek out new challenges, better job security, or even better pay. This can especially be the case when the expectations for a program like Texas are so high, and the pressure to deliver success is never-ending. For Choice, the timing of his exit aligns with a broader trend of assistant coaches making lateral moves or stepping away when they sense they’ve reached a crossroads in their careers.
Choice’s move could also be linked to the overall direction of Texas football under head coach Steve Sarkisian. As Sarkisian continues to build his program, there are inevitable shifts in the coaching staff that come with trying to reestablish Texas as a dominant force in college football. While Choice had contributed to the team’s development, the reality of the coaching carousel may have been an unavoidable factor in his departure. Coaches come and go for a variety of reasons, and often, decisions that seem sudden have been bubbling under the surface for some time.
Another factor contributing to the sense that Choice’s exit wasn’t entirely surprising lies in the increasingly complex nature of college football coaching staffs. Texas, with its considerable resources, has become a high-stakes environment, and many coaches find themselves at the mercy of expectations that aren’t always aligned with their personal or professional goals. Coaches may leave because they feel they’re not being supported or simply because they see a better opportunity elsewhere. The pressure and long hours that come with coaching at a top-tier program can also be taxing, and Choice might have seen this as the right time for a change.
While his departure is disappointing for Texas fans and players who trusted his leadership, it’s important to recognize that this is part of the unpredictable nature of college football. The game has always been in flux, with coaching staffs regularly experiencing turnover, and programs need to be prepared to adapt to these changes in order to remain competitive.
**Texas Football Thoughts: The QB Question and Recruiting Landscape**
Beyond Choice’s unexpected exit, two other key themes continue to shape the Texas football program moving forward: the ongoing quarterback situation and the evolving landscape of recruiting.
**1. The QB Question: Who Leads the Charge?**
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Texas football is the ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position. With the 2024 season approaching, the Longhorns have yet to definitively answer the question of who will take the reins under center. Hudson Card, who has had significant starting experience, was expected to be the leader in the clubhouse. However, with the arrival of talented freshman quarterbacks and the unpredictable nature of quarterback development, it remains to be seen who will truly emerge as the team’s leader.
This uncertainty puts extra pressure on head coach Steve Sarkisian, who will need to make a crucial decision about the quarterback situation sooner rather than later. The success of any football program, especially one with national championship aspirations like Texas, hinges on having a stable, reliable quarterback. Choosing the right signal-caller could make or break the Longhorns’ chances of returning to national prominence. Texas has talented quarterbacks in its ranks, but the competition and internal pressure to deliver results will likely continue to intensify as the season approaches.
The quarterback battle is even more crucial when you consider Texas’s future in the SEC. The team will need an elite quarterback to thrive in the conference, which is home to some of the best defenses in college football. The Longhorns can no longer rely on just talent; they will need a quarterback who is sharp, composed, and capable of making plays under pressure. Whether it’s Card, a highly touted freshman, or a dark horse candidate, the decision will be one of the defining moments of Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas.
**2. Recruiting: The Lifeblood of Texas Football**
The recruiting landscape has become increasingly competitive, and Texas finds itself in a dogfight with other top programs for some of the best talent in the country. As the SEC looms on the horizon, Texas’s recruiting efforts are crucial to its long-term success. The Longhorns are working hard to secure top-tier talent in both the state of Texas and across the country, but it’s not always easy. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma consistently land the top recruits, and Texas must step up its game if it wants to compete with these perennial powerhouses.
However, Texas has the resources, facilities, and coaching staff to make significant strides on the recruiting trail. As evidenced by Sarkisian’s recent success in landing a highly ranked recruiting class, the future looks bright for Texas in this regard. But Texas fans should temper their expectations and recognize that building a championship team through recruiting is a long-term process. Recruiting success doesn’t always translate to immediate on-field results, but it lays the foundation for sustained success down the road.
Moreover, Texas needs to continue focusing on developing homegrown talent. The state of Texas is consistently one of the top producers of football talent in the nation, and the Longhorns can’t afford to let their in-state recruiting slip. While securing national recruits is important, it’s equally vital to keep the best Texas players in-state.
**Conclusion: A Program in Transition**
Tashard Choice’s unexpected departure serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the world of college football. While it may have taken some by surprise, the nature of the sport makes coaching turnover a reality that Texas must accept. With Choice gone, Texas football will now look ahead to new opportunities and challenges. Along with questions at quarterback and a competitive recruiting landscape, the Longhorns are navigating a period of transition that will define their future.
The road ahead will not be easy, but Texas football is built to thrive on challenges. With the right leadership and continued development, the Longhorns can weather this storm and emerge as a national powerhouse once again. It’s a matter of putting the right pieces in place—and that process is already underway.