NORMAN, Okla. -- Jason Witten, the former Dallas Cowboys tight end and 11-time Pro Bowler, is stepping into the coaching realm as he takes on the role of tight ends coach for the Oklahoma Sooners. His coaching debut is scheduled for Friday night when Oklahoma faces off against the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
Witten, who had a remarkable 17-year NFL career, is renowned for his impressive statistics, including 1,228 receptions, which ranks him fourth in NFL history. He retired with a total of 13,046 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the sport. This transition into coaching comes after Witten spent time leading Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, to two state championships during his five-year tenure as a high school coach.
Since joining the Sooners coaching staff in January, Witten has quickly made an impact on the team's offensive strategy. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has expressed his admiration for Witten's extensive football knowledge and experience. "I mean, he’s the ultimate teammate," Arbuckle stated, emphasizing Witten's collaborative approach. Arbuckle has encouraged an open dialogue, inviting Witten to share his insights and opinions on the team's strategies.
Brent Venables, Oklahoma's head coach, has also praised Witten's contributions, referring to him as "a great one" and highlighting the respect he commands within the program. Witten's transition from player to coach has been seamless, as he brings a wealth of experience from his time in the NFL, where he learned from various coaches and systems.
Quarterback John Mateer has noted the invaluable mentorship he receives from Witten. "You just hang around guys like that; it’s gold," Mateer remarked, acknowledging Witten's willingness to share his knowledge. Witten has made it a priority to connect with players like Mateer, encouraging them to seek his guidance and advice.
Reflecting on his coaching journey, Witten has recognized the differences in how high school athletes learn compared to professional players. He stated, "The greatest teaching tool for me was coaching high school because it really taught me, coming from the NFL, that they don’t learn like I do." This realization has helped him adapt his coaching style to better connect with his players.
Witten's humility and dedication to the coaching profession have earned him immediate respect from his peers. Arbuckle highlighted Witten's character, noting his commitment to the Oklahoma football culture and the standards set by Coach Venables. As Witten embarks on this new chapter in his career, the Sooners community is eager to see how his extensive knowledge and experience will influence the team's performance on the field.
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