Why Jason Witten Is Already A PERFECT Fit For Brent Venables At Oklahoma

NORMAN, Okla. - Jason Witten, the legendary tight end who etched his name into NFL history with the Dallas Cowboys, has officially stepped into the collegiate coaching ranks as the Sooners' tight ends coach.

As the team goes through their first full spring practices under his guidance in early 2026, Witten's presence is already resonating, blending his storied professional experience with a passion for mentoring young athletes at a pivotal stage in their lives.

Witten's journey to OU is a tale of purpose over paycheck. After a 17-year NFL career that included 11 Pro Bowl selections, over 12,000 receiving yards, and a reputation as one of the toughest, most reliable players in league history. Witten's salary is rumored to be significantly less than what he was making as a broadcaster for ESPN on Monday Night Football. 

Instead, he chose the grind of college coaching, drawn to the opportunity to shape lives beyond the gridiron. "It wasn't lost on me of the impact you can have on young men, young men off the field," Witten shared during OU football’s media day. "I was always intrigued by, at college (at) 18 to 23 years old, it's pivotal years in their life, and to be able to be a positive influence in them, in their lives, is something I'm really excited about. And … I aligned with (head coach Brent Venables’) vision."

This alignment with Venables was a recurring theme in Witten's introduction to the program. Venables has long emphasized unity and shared purpose within the organization. He first invoked the term "alignment" during his introductory press conference, symbolizing harmony between the university's leadership, coaching staff, and players.

For Venables, Witten embodies that ideal. "He had one of the best professional careers in the history of the NFL. Who hangs around the NFL for 17-plus years? You don't do that by accident," Venables remarked. "You got to have something to you. You got to be talented. You have to have amazing durability, the training, the commitment, the sacrifice, the desire."

He added, "He wasn't chasing money; he's chasing purpose. … I'd been around him several times prior to it ever getting to ‘I need to offer you the tight ends job,’ and there was an alignment."

Witten's arrival comes at a crucial time for the Sooners' tight ends group, which has seen a mix of experience and fresh talent infused through recruiting and the transfer portal. The unit now features a blend of veterans and newcomers, all under Witten's watchful eye.

Leading the charge are seniors Rocky Beers and junior Hayden Hansen, both bringing maturity and proven production to the room. Hansen, a transfer from Florida, has been a standout in the SEC, amassing 611 receiving yards and five touchdowns over his college career. His 2025 season alone saw him rack up 254 yards and all five scores, showcasing his reliability as a pass-catcher and blocker.

Beers, whose sister Raegan stars for the OU women's basketball team, has taken a winding path to Norman. After stints at Florida International University and Colorado State, he posted 388 yards and seven touchdowns in his last season, contributing to his career totals of 572 yards and nine scores.

Witten didn't hesitate to praise their leadership. "It's just a really great room," he said. "I think you start with Hayden Hansen; he's played a lot of ball in this league, smart. He's tough. (We’ve) got a great work ethic and approach from Rocky Beers, now also in his fifth year. He's got an amazing story and journey to get here."

Rounding out the group is freshman Jack Van Dorselaer, a promising recruit from the transfer portal who adds depth and potential to the position.

Witten's coaching style, honed from years of facing the NFL's best defenses, emphasizes fundamentals, toughness, and consistency—qualities he sees emerging in his players during these early practices.

Spring practice has been a whirlwind for Witten, marking his first hands-on experience in the college environment. Drills focused on route-running precision, blocking techniques, and red-zone efficiency have highlighted his no-nonsense approach.

"Where it's a big stage, there's high expectations. The standard is the standard, and we know what that is here," Witten emphasized. "They work the right way, and you give yourself a chance by doing that."

Venables echoed this sentiment, noting Witten's immediate impact on team culture. The head coach, known for his defensive expertise, sees Witten's offensive insights as a perfect complement, especially as OU navigates the competitive SEC landscape.

Beyond the X's and O's, Witten's role extends to personal development, where he can draw from his own experiences. Witten was a third-round draft pick out of Tennessee in 2003, who went on to have a fantastic career with the Cowboys and Raiders.

Now at Oklahoma, Witten aims to instill resilience and character. His durability, playing through injuries that would sideline lesser players, serves as a living example for the tight ends.

As spring ball progresses toward the annual Red-White Game, expectations are high for Witten's group to elevate OU's offense, making life easier on quarterback John Mateer.

The tight ends could be a key factor in the Sooners' quest for a conference title and beyond. With a great history of tight ends like Jermaine Gresham and Mark Andrews, Witten's biggest task will be getting the group back to that standard of excellence.

With spring ball in full swing, now the real work for Witten officially begins.