The Los Angeles Rams still find themselves in the market for a running backs coach after missing out on Texas Longhorns coach Tashard Choice.
The Los Angeles Rams have seen a complete coaching staff overhaul this offseason.
But even before coach Sean McVay dismissed a handful of coaching staff members on Jan. 18, the changes were already underway during the season when running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples accepted the role of receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Arizona State in December.
This left the Rams, who were already one of the league’s worst rushing offenses this past season, without a running backs headed into a crucial offseason.
And despite some recent searching, it looks like that will remain the case for now.
Per reports from Horns247, Texas Longhorns running backs coach and former NFL running back Tashard Choice “turned down” the Rams job to remain under coach Steve Sarkisian at Texas.
Choice could’ve been an impressive get for the Rams based on what he did during his first year at Texas last season. The Longhorns, which boasted a backfield of future 2023 draft picks Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, were considered one of the deepest running back rooms in the country for a reason.
Robinson is expected to be the first running back off the board in April. But before he solidified himself as one of the best ball-carriers in college football this past season, he was realizing how versatile of a coach Choice was.
“I love coach Choice,” Robinson said. “He does everything with us. He runs with us, lifts with us, he’ll chase us down. He’s always ready to go for everything, but he still gets us honed in on what we need to do and when we make great plays, he’s right down there with us … on top of that he’s gonna teach you everything you need to know. He’s been a big help for me.”
Due to the performance of his position group and the way he connected with players, Choice recently received a one-year contract extension through February 2025 while his annual base salary will remain at $550,000.
The Rams could aim to try again for Choice next offseason as they continue their search for a running backs coach.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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