Looks like someone needs to oomph up their multi-tasking skills. And it’s none other than the Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian. Right now, the Longhorns HC has given all his time and effort to the transfer portal. As per the reports, Sarkisian and Texas have been on the list of the Top 5 teams who had spent the most to land players this transfer season. While the HC tried to bolster his player’s roster, cracks started to appear in his coaching logs.

No doubt Sarkisian and his boys had a pretty decent 2024 season. Even though they came off as indomitable with a 13-3 overall record, they did not make it to the national championship finale. Maybe, that’s why the Longhorns HC wanted to fill the cracks in his player’s roster, pouring his fortune reserve. But can he celebrate his newly curated roster? Sadly not. As on February 13 Texas RB coach Tashard Choice left for the NFL. On the On3 podcast, J.D.PicKell opens Sarkisian’s eyes to what Texas has now lost. He stated, “Losing Tashard Choice isn’t ideal.” Yes, looks like the Longhorns’ luck did not favor.

Choice is heading to join the Detroit Lions under head coach Dan Campbell. Even though the bond is not old, as he joined in 2022, this indeed is a big loss for Sarkisian. Earlier too, there have been speculations that Dallas Cowboys trying their luck to land Choice. However, it appeared that Sarkisian was ready to retain Choice for 2025. But things went south. The analyst continued, “The biggest loss I think you have in losing him as a running back coach is what he is as a recruiter. Like Texas just locked up the top class in America. Choice have to believe pretty massive role in putting that class together.”

How could the Longhorns forget how Choice built Longhorns players that earned them an NFL break? You name them– Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, Jonathon Brooks, Keilan Robinson, and Jaydon Blue all of them were coached under Choice. So it won’t be an easy task for Sarkisian to look for an alternative. But looks like he has one good option in hand. 

Steve Sarkisian must tighten his grip after Tashard Choice’s exit

It’s high time Steve Sarkisian looks for a good option to fill the RB coach position. And who better than the Oregon Ducks to peep into? After all, the Ducks HC Dan Lanning has been one of the best recruiters in the country both in terms of players and coaches.

Looks like Choice’s departure is likely to create a domino effect. Chances reign high that the Ducks’ coaching roster would catch the fever. As per Clarence Hill Jr.’s report, Oregon assistant head coach and running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples could be a name to watch to replace Choice at Texas. Right after the Longhorns HC’s departure news went viral, Hill Jr. tweeted, “Keep an eye on Samples coming home to Texas.” Did you know the Longhorns already have an edge when it comes to the Ducks’ coach?

Yes. The Lone Star State-level connections are already there for Samples, a Dallas native. Back in 2018, he served as an assistant wide receivers coach at Texas under Tom Herman. Before coaching, Samples played as a receiver for the Cougars at UH. Even though his stint at Eugene has been short, his impact has been profound. He earned enough praise for recruiting five-star receiver Dakorien Moore, who will be making his freshman debut next season. But no matter what, finding Choice’s replacement should be Sarkisian’s top to-do list task.

By losing Tashard Choice, the Longhorns have already fallen into bad books of recruits. Right after the coach’s departure, four-star RB Ezavier Crowell canceled his official visit to the Forty Acres. Coincidence much? Not at all! The No.1 running back told Rivals recruiting analyst John Gracis Jr., “I’m shocked. We had a great relationship. I’ve got to find another official visit.” Time is ticking for Sarkisian — he must secure a standout hire before top recruits start ghosting their Texas visits.