The Oklahoma Sooners are making headlines with the addition of a true NFL legend to their coaching staff. On January 8, 2026, the university finalized a deal to hire former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach, a move that has fans and analysts buzzing across the college football landscape. Witten, a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist and one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history, steps into his first collegiate coaching role as he joins head coach Brent Venables' staff in Norman.
Witten’s arrival marks a significant moment for the Sooners, who are coming off a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff appearance. The program, now in its early years competing in the SEC, continues to build on its storied tradition by bringing in a coach whose professional pedigree is nearly unmatched. Witten replaces Joe Jon Finley on Venables’ staff, taking the reins of a position group that has been pivotal to Oklahoma’s offensive schemes in recent years.
For Witten, this new chapter comes after a remarkable 17-year NFL career, nearly all of which he spent with the Dallas Cowboys. Drafted in the third round out of Tennessee in 2003, Witten quickly became a mainstay in Dallas, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro nods, and two second-team All-Pro honors. His consistency was legendary: he recorded at least 700 receiving yards every season from 2004 through 2015, a feat few tight ends have matched.
By the time he hung up his cleats, Witten had amassed 1,228 catches for 13,046 yards and 74 touchdowns, numbers that place him among the all-time greats at his position. He currently ranks second all-time among NFL tight ends in both receptions and receiving yards, trailing only Tony Gonzalez. Witten also holds the Dallas Cowboys franchise records for career receptions (1,215) and receiving yards (12,977), and his 72 touchdown receptions are second in team history, just behind Dez Bryant’s 73.
Witten’s journey to Norman has been shaped not only by his NFL success but by his recent experience as a high school head coach. After retiring from the NFL in 2021—following a brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 and a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a Cowboy—Witten took over the football program at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. There, he led the team to back-to-back state titles in 2023 and 2024, and in 2023, the program celebrated its first-ever unbeaten season. According to On3 and Sooner Scoop, Witten’s leadership and football acumen quickly turned Liberty Christian into a powerhouse, and it’s clear that his transition to the college ranks has been highly anticipated.
But there’s another intriguing layer to Witten’s move to Oklahoma: his son, Cooper Witten, is one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. Cooper, a five-star linebacker in the high school class of 2027, is ranked No. 1 at his position, No. 19 nationally, and No. 4 in Texas according to Rivals. The Sooners were already considered a top contender for Cooper’s commitment, but with Jason Witten now on staff, many recruiting experts, including Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman and Steve Wiltfong, believe the younger Witten is all but certain to suit up in crimson and cream.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to join such a storied program and work with Coach Venables,” Witten reportedly shared with colleagues, reflecting the excitement surrounding his arrival. Though this marks his first collegiate coaching job, few doubt that Witten’s wealth of playing and coaching experience will translate well to the NCAA level.
Oklahoma’s decision to bring in Witten comes at a pivotal time for the program. Head coach Brent Venables, now entering his fifth season, has guided the Sooners to a 32-20 record overall and a 16-10 mark during their first two seasons in the SEC. The 2025 campaign saw Oklahoma reach the College Football Playoff, only to fall to Alabama in the opening round. Still, the Sooners’ 10-3 finish and playoff berth signal a program that’s poised to remain among the nation’s elite, especially as they continue to recruit at a high level and attract coaching talent like Witten.
Witten’s NFL resume is as robust as they come. His 1,228 receptions and 13,046 receiving yards are figures most wide receivers would envy, let alone tight ends. Only Tony Gonzalez and, as of Sunday in the Kansas City Chiefs’ final game of the 2025 season, Travis Kelce have joined the 13,000-yard club among tight ends. Witten’s impact extended beyond the field, too: in 2018, he briefly stepped away from playing to serve as the lead analyst for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” showcasing his football intellect to a national audience.
Recognition for Witten’s career continues to build. In late December 2025, he was named one of 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, joining fellow luminaries like Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Eli Manning. To earn induction into Canton, Witten will need to secure at least 80% of the committee’s vote, a threshold many believe he is likely to surpass given his statistical achievements and leadership qualities. “Witten is eligible for Hall of Fame induction and needs 80% of the committee vote to be inducted,” noted The Spun, reflecting the widespread respect he commands throughout the football world.
Witten’s coaching career, while still in its infancy, has already been marked by success. His tenure at Liberty Christian saw him mentor his son and other top prospects, instilling a culture of discipline and excellence that culminated in consecutive state championships. Those who have watched his teams play praise his ability to communicate, motivate, and develop young athletes—a skill set that should serve him well as he transitions to the demands of the collegiate game.
The Sooners’ tight ends will now have the chance to learn from a player who’s not only excelled at the highest level but who understands the nuances of the position as well as anyone in the sport. Witten’s experience, both as a player and a coach, is expected to pay immediate dividends for Oklahoma’s offense, which has historically relied on versatile, athletic tight ends to create mismatches across the field.
As the 2026 college football season approaches, all eyes will be on Norman to see how Witten adapts to his new role and how his presence influences both the Sooners’ on-field performance and their recruiting efforts—especially with Cooper Witten’s future looming large. The combination of NFL pedigree, coaching promise, and family ties makes this one of the most compelling stories in college football as the new year gets underway.
With Jason Witten now officially on board, Oklahoma fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. The Hall of Fame finalist brings not just a legendary playing career, but also a proven track record as a coach and mentor. As the Sooners gear up for another run in the ever-competitive SEC, the addition of Witten to the coaching staff adds another layer of excitement—and perhaps a glimpse into the program’s future, both on the field and on the recruiting trail.