Jason Witten knows the expectations — and he's excited to lead OU's next generation
In a move that bridges NFL glory with college football tradition, the University of Oklahoma has officially announced the hiring of Jason Witten as its new tight ends coach. The announcement, made on January 15, 2026, marks a significant addition to head coach Brent Venables' staff, as the Sooners aim to build on their recent College Football Playoff appearance.
Witten, a future Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate and one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history, replaces Joe Jon Finley, who was dismissed on January 1 after five seasons with the program.
Witten's transition to Norman comes after a storied 17-year NFL career, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, where he amassed 1,228 receptions for 13,046 yards and 74 touchdowns.
A third-round pick out of the University of Tennessee in 2003, Witten earned 11 Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors, establishing himself as a model of consistency and leadership.
He ranks fourth all-time in NFL receptions and second among tight ends in both receptions and yards.
Beyond statistics, Witten was renowned for his durability, missing just one game in his entire career, and his off-field contributions, including winning the 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for his philanthropy.
Since retiring after the 2020 season, Witten has honed his coaching skills at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, where he served as head coach for five years.
Under his leadership, the Warriors captured consecutive Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state championships in 2023 and 2024, marking the school's first back-to-back titles and its inaugural Division I crown.
Witten's teams produced 53 TAPPS All-State honorees, showcasing his ability to develop talent at the grassroots level.
This experience, combined with his NFL pedigree, positions him uniquely to elevate OU's tight ends group.
Head coach Brent Venables expressed enthusiasm about Witten's arrival, highlighting not just his on-field achievements but his character and coaching acumen.
"When you talk about Jason Witten you start with the impeccable human being he is. That's as a competitor, a leader, a coach, a dad, a husband. He's one of those rare people who represents incredibly high character, integrity and excellence," Venables said in the official release.
He continued, "He's a tremendous communicator blessed with unbelievable interpersonal skills. That's who he was as a leader in the locker room as a player, and you can see the impact and influence he had as a head coach at the high school level at Liberty Christian. He's really special in that regard."
Venables also noted Witten's humility and alignment with the program's focus on mentoring young athletes aged 18 to 23.
"Jason has been a giant in the game of football for a long time with what he's accomplished and represented on the field. He's one of the best to ever do it. I'm excited about the positive impact he'll have on our football program and all of our players."
Witten himself emphasized his deep understanding of OU's storied legacy, which dates back to seven national championships and a tradition of excellence under coaches like Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer, and Bob Stoops.
As a former Tennessee Volunteer, Witten competed in the SEC, giving him firsthand insight into the conference's intensity—especially relevant now that Oklahoma has transitioned to the SEC, where it has posted a 16-10 overall record (8-8 in conference) in its first two seasons.
"I love football and I love teaching the game, and Oklahoma is as prestigious a college football program as there is in the country," Witten stated.
He added, "I know what the expectations and standards of Oklahoma football are and I'm excited to lean into and embrace those. But along the way, it's also a great privilege to positively impact young men — to help them become the best players they can be and the best men they can be."
Witten's familiarity with these standards stems from his own career trajectory. Growing up in Elizabethton, Tennessee, he excelled at the University of Tennessee, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2002 with a school-record 493 receiving yards as a tight end.
His professional journey demanded relentless work ethic and leadership, qualities that mirror OU's emphasis on discipline, competitiveness, and character development.
Witten praised Venables for embodying this balance: "That's one of the things I respect the most about Coach Venables – that those things aren't mutually exclusive. You can take on the responsibility to lead men but also be highly competitive in your craft. I try to uphold those standards on and off the field."
He expressed eagerness to collaborate with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and integrate into the staff.
The hiring has generated buzz across social media and sports circles, with many viewing it as a recruiting boon.
Witten's son, Cooper, is the No. 1 linebacker prospect in the 2027 class, adding an intriguing layer to his move to Norman.
As a Hall of Fame finalist—set to learn his fate on February 5—Witten brings instant credibility to a program coming off a 10-3 season and a first-round playoff loss to Alabama.
For Oklahoma fans, Witten's arrival signals a commitment to blending proven NFL expertise with the Sooners' unyielding pursuit of championships. As he steps into this role, Witten's knowledge of OU's expectations—forged through a lifetime in football—positions him to mentor the next generation while chasing more hardware in the SEC.
With spring practices on the horizon, the Sooners' tight ends room just got a whole lot tougher and more inspired.