The Detroit Lions made some big changes this offseason, and one move brings a familiar face back into Jahmyr Gibbs’ football life. When former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson took the head coaching job in Chicago, a chain reaction followed — including the Lions hiring Tashard Choice as their new running backs coach.
If that name sounds familiar, it should. Choice coached Gibbs back in 2020 and 2021 at Georgia Tech and has believed in his star potential since day one. Now reunited in Detroit, Choice made one thing clear: he’s not here to hand out compliments. “I’m going to push him like no other,” he said. “I have to.”
Choice has watched Gibbs develop into one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL. After transferring from Georgia Tech to Alabama and getting drafted by the Lions in 2023, Gibbs has already notched two Pro Bowl appearances. He’s racked up 2,357 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in two seasons, along with 104 catches for 833 yards and five more scores. That kind of production puts him in rare company — only Hall of Famer Edgerrin James put up similar numbers in his first two years.
But for Choice, it’s not just about stats. It’s about potential — and accountability. “He’s one of the smartest running backs I’ve ever coached,” Choice said. “I’m going to be harder on him even more. I coach the player, not the person.”
Detroit’s one-two punch of Gibbs and David Montgomery has already made history, becoming the only RB duo to each post 10+ rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. And with OTAs set to begin May 28, Choice is ready to get to work and push both his backs to new heights.
From Georgia Tech to Detroit, Gibbs’ journey has come full circle. Now under the tough love of a coach who knows his game inside out, Year 3 might just be his biggest leap yet.
“I’m Going to Push Him Like No Other”: Lions’ New RB Coach Reunites with Jahmyr Gibbs
