While NFL alum Jason Witten awaits word whether he will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next month, he is making a major career move this month into college coaching.
The 43-year-old Witten was introduced last week as the new tight ends coach at the University of Oklahoma. After he retired as a preeminent tight end for 17 seasons in the league, he began coaching high school ball in Texas five years ago. He proved to be an instant success on that level as his Liberty Christian School teams won consecutive state titles in 2023-24 in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial School division.
Witten originally was drafted by the Cowboys out of the University of Tennessee in 2003. He proved to be perhaps the most durable third round draft choice in NFL history. Witten started 252 games for Dallas and missed only one of 280 games (including postseason) during his illustrious career. He holds the NFL record among tight ends for most games played.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables spoke last week of the many benefits Witten will add to his staff.
“Jason brings so much to our team in Norman in terms of coaching, mentoring and leading,” Venables says. “He’s had opportunities to coach in the NFL, but we’re aligned in that our hearts are with the 18-to-23-year-olds who need direction now more than ever. Jason’s always been about that.”
Witten was rewarded for his outstanding on-field play and his involvement in the Dallas community by being named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2012. He finished his career (2003-17; 2019-20) with 1,228 receptions, 13,046 yards, 74 TDs and 11 Pro Bowl selections.
“I love football and teaching the game,” Witten explains. “It’s a great privilege to positively impact young men and help them to become the best players and best men they can be. Oklahoma is as prestigious a college football program as there is. It’s a tremendous opportunity and I’m proud to be a Sooner.”
We at NFL Alumni also are proud to have Jason Witten, his wife Michelle and their four children in our ranks. We wish him much success as he transitions into college coaching this season. We also will be watching for his name when the new Hall of Fame class is announced next month during Super Bowl LX weekend in San Francisco.
