Former Dallas Cowboys player Jason Witten reinforces Brent Venables’ Oklahoma team as TE coach
Universidade of Oklahoma hired Jason Witten, former tight end of the The information was confirmed by multiple sources specializing in college football on January 8, 2026. Witten will replace Joe Jon Finley, who stepped down after five seasons in the Sooners program.
Witten, 43, has served as head coach at Liberty Christian School, at
The signing brings together Witten with DeMarco
Witten’s early college football career
Jason Witten began his career in college football at University of Adapting took time, but he demonstrated his versatility on the field early on.
As a sophomore in 2001, Witten appeared in 13 games and racked up 28 receptions for 293 yards and two touchdowns. Sua consolidation came in 2002, when he set school records for tight ends with 39 receptions, 493 yards and five touchdowns. Esse performance earned All-SEC honors and semifinalist position in the John Mackey Award, designated for the best college tight end.
Throughout his career at Tennessee, Witten totaled 68 receptions for 797 yards in 20 games as a starter at the position. Sua technical and physical evolution caught the attention of NFL scouts and paved the way for the professional draft.
Key numbers in the NFL
Witten was selected by Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 Draft, with the 69th overall pick. Over 17 seasons in the professional league, he played 271 games, starting 252, and accumulated historic marks for the tight end position.
- 1,228 total receptions, second most among tight ends in NFL history.
- 13,046 receiving yards, also the second all-time mark at the position.
- 74 touchdowns per reception, consolidating his efficiency in the scoring zone.
- Averaged 10.6 yards per reception over his career.
Witten holds franchise Cowboys records in receptions (1,215) and receiving yards (12,977). Sua durability was impressive, with streaks of consecutive games as a starter that remain references in the league.
Individual achievements throughout your professional career
Witten’s career was marked by consistent recognition from colleagues and experts. Ele received 11 call-ups for Pro Bowl, between 2004 and 2017, demonstrating regularity at a high level.
Witten earned two selections for the First-team All-Pro, in 2007 and 2010, as well as two others for the Second-team In 2012, he won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, an award that values contributions on and off the field.
Other highlights include setting the record for most receptions in a single game by a tight end, with 18 in 2012. Sua leadership on the field has influenced generations of players at the position.
Recent experience as a high school coach
Since 2021, Witten has led the Liberty Christian School program at Texas, where he implemented concepts learned in the NFL. Nos first years, focused on technical development and collective discipline, results that appeared quickly.
The team achieved undefeated campaigns and state titles in 2023 and 2024, marking a period of dominance in the division. In 2025, the team reached the state decision again, consolidating the legacy of Witten in high school.
His time at school allowed Witten to apply blocking and route knowledge to young athletes. Sua approach prioritized fundamentals, preparing players for higher levels.
This practical experience motivated the transition to college football. Witten left the position with a positive balance and an established competitive team.
Current context of the Sooners program
Oklahoma competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and qualified for the College Football Playoff playoffs in 2025. Sob command of Brent Venables, the team presented an aggressive and efficient defense during the regular season.
The campaign ended with a defeat to Alabama in the first round of the playoffs, 34 to 24. Apesar of the result, qualification represented recovery after years of transition in the conference.
Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, in his second year, will oversee the sector where Witten will work. Jogadores as Jaren Kanak, with 44 receptions in 2025, and transfer Rocky Beers should directly benefit from the new coach’s expertise.
Meeting with former teammates and impact on recruitment
The arrival of Witten reinforces ties with the past of the Cowboys. DeMarco Murray, running backs coach since 2020, will be a colleague again, facilitating tactical integration in the ground and aerial attack.
Experts highlight potential gains in recruiting, especially for tight ends. Witten’s NFL credibility attracts prospects seeking professional development.
Additionally, Witten’s son, Cooper, ranked as a top recruit in the class of 2027, could influence future decisions. The paternal presence on the staff represents an additional factor for the program.
Outlook for the tight ends position in Oklahoma
Witten takes over a group with promising pieces after the 2025 season. Kanak received All-SEC honors, while Beers arrives with proven production in touchdowns.
The emphasis on blocking and routing, hallmarks of Witten’s career, should raise the technical level. Treinadores expect greater versatility in the Sooners’s offensive scheme.
The hiring adds high-level experience to the Venables staff. Oklahoma seeks consolidation in the SEC with strategic moves like this.
Legacy of Witten beyond numbers
Witten stood out for his durability and leadership throughout his career. Sua transition to coaching reflects the desire to transmit knowledge accumulated over two professional decades.
In high school, he prioritized the comprehensive training of athletes. Agora, at college, applies the same philosophy in a competitive environment.
The move to Oklahoma marks a new chapter for one of the greatest tight ends in history. The program gains technical and inspirational reference.
Maria Clara é colaboradora da redação do Mix Vale, portal de notícias com cobertura de Brasil e mundo. Produz conteúdo nas editorias de economia e benefícios, com foco em informação de serviço para o leitor brasileiro. Escreve para o portal desde 2016: Formação: Atriz.
