From Cowboys icon to Sooners coach: Jason Witten's next chapter begins
In an electrifying development for OU fans, the University of Oklahoma has officially hired Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten as their new tight ends coach, replacing Joe Jon Finley.
The announcement, which broke on January 8, 2026, has sent ripples through the Sooners' fanbase and the broader SEC landscape, signaling a potential shift in recruiting and on-field strategy for the program.
Witten, a future Hall of Famer with an illustrious NFL career, brings a wealth of experience and star power to Norman, despite lacking prior collegiate coaching credentials.
Jason Witten's journey to this role is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Tennessee, Witten starred at the University of Tennessee before being drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
Over 17 seasons, primarily with Dallas, he amassed 1,228 receptions, 13,046 yards, and 74 touchdowns, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and cementing his status as one of the greatest tight ends in league history.
His durability was legendary—he played in 271 games, missing just one due to injury.
Witten briefly retired in 2018 to join ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast team as an analyst, but the stint was widely panned for his lack of on-air polish and enthusiasm.
Critics noted his monotone delivery and struggles with the fast-paced nature of live commentary, leading him to return to the Cowboys, followed by the Raiders, before hanging up his cleats for good in 2021.
Post-retirement, Witten didn't stray far from football. He took over as head coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, a private high school program that he transformed into a powerhouse.
Inheriting a team that went 2-8 in his first year, Witten flipped the script, posting a 46-15 record over five seasons, including back-to-back TAPPS state championships in 2023 and 2024.
His leadership emphasized discipline, fundamentals, and player development—traits that align perfectly with Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables' defensive-minded but holistic approach to building a contender.
While Witten has never served as a position coach at the college or pro level, his hands-on experience at the high school ranks, combined with his intimate knowledge of the tight end position, makes him a natural fit.
The move comes on the heels of Oklahoma parting ways with Joe Jon Finley, who had been with the program since 2021.
Finley, a former Sooners tight end himself, contributed to the team's transition into the SEC but faced criticism amid inconsistent offensive production, particularly at the tight end spot.
Reports indicate Finley was let go after five seasons, as Venables seeks to reset the tight end room.
The Sooners' tight end room has seen turnover, and the position group needing a spark to elevate the offense under coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
What makes this hire particularly intriguing is Witten's deep Texas connections, which could supercharge OU's recruiting efforts in the talent-rich Lone Star State.
Texas has long been a battleground for top prospects, and Witten's Cowboys legacy—where he became a symbol of grit and reliability—gives him instant credibility.
Adding another layer is his son, Cooper Witten, a five-star linebacker recruit in the class of 2027.
Ranked as the No. 1 linebacker nationally and No. 4 player out of Texas, Cooper is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound phenom known for his speed, instincts, and tackling prowess.
He's drawn interest from powerhouses like Ohio State, Tennessee, and Texas, but his father's new role at OU could tilt the scales.
This hire reunites Witten with former Cowboys teammate DeMarco Murray, now OU's running backs coach, adding a nostalgic Dallas flavor to the staff.
For Witten, this represents a full commitment to coaching after his broadcasting misstep.
At 43, he's all-in on developing young talent, drawing from his own path from undersized college player to NFL icon.
For Oklahoma, it's a statement: Venables is building a staff with NFL pedigree to compete in the SEC's brutal arms race.
As the Sooners eye a big 2026, Witten's arrival could be the catalyst for a great tight end room, stronger recruiting, and renewed excitment in Norman.
Whether it translates to wins remains to be seen, but one thing's clear—this move has the College Football world talking.