The Texas Longhorns are searching for a new running backs coach after Tashard Choice accepted a position with the Detroit Lions. Choice, who joined the Longhorns in 2022, coached at Texas for two seasons before making the move to the NFL.
West Virginia running backs coach Chad Scott has emerged as a top candidate for the position, according to a report from 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Scott, a former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1997, has been with the Mountaineers since 2019.
West Virginia’s Chad Scott has emerged as a leading candidate for the running backs coach opening at Texas, sources tell @cbssports/@247sports.
Has worked at West Virginia since 2019, including as WVU’s offensive coordinator in 2023 and ‘24 under Neal Brown. Helped West Virginia… pic.twitter.com/r7xxD8SRQi
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 19, 2025
Scott briefly served as West Virginia’s interim head coach last season following Neal Brown’s departure before Rich Rodriguez was hired to lead the program. He then returned to his previous role coaching running backs.
Under Scott’s leadership, West Virginia’s rushing attack thrived. The Mountaineers ranked 27th nationally last season, averaging 195.1 yards per game on the ground. Running backs Jahiem White and C.J. Donaldson Jr., along with quarterback Garrett Greene, each surpassed 700 rushing yards and scored at least six touchdowns.
The trio combined for 2,330 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, contributing to a elite ground game. Since 2022, West Virginia has rushed for at least 140 yards in 26 of 28 games. The Mountaineers finished the 2023 season with 2,976 rushing yards—the most among Power Five programs.
Texas has yet to make an official announcement regarding its coaching search.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Chad Scott, former NFL emerges as coaching candidate at Texas
