Jason Witten to Cowboys coaching rumors, explained: Why Dallas is reportedly interested in former TE to lead team

Jerry Jones is seeking a new head coach in Dallas, and one potential option could represent a reunion. 

After the Cowboys confirmed they’ll be parting ways with Mike McCarthy on Monday, they’ll have a large pool of head coaching candidates to pick from. Some names out there have extensive head coaching experience (Kliff Kingsbury, Brian Flores, Pete Carroll, etc.), but others could get their first crack at an NFL head coaching job.

One name without head coaching experience — but with Cowboys connections — to keep an eye on is Jason Witten. 

MORE: Tracking the latest news on the Cowboys’ head coaching search

The former Dallas tight end, who retired from playing football in 2021, is reportedly on Jerry Jones’ radar.

Here are the latest reports and rumors on Witten being a candidate for the Cowboys’ head coach vacancy, including the details on Witten’s coaching history and playing career.

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Jason Witten to Cowboys coaching rumors

After the Cowboys officially parted ways with McCarthy on Monday, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported an initial list of names with the potential to emerge in Dallas’ coaching search. 

Among them were former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and Witten, who was a longtime tight end in Dallas.

Jones clearly values a candidate’s connection to the franchise, as Moore also previously played and coached with the Cowboys. But unlike Moore, Witten hasn’t been a well-regarded coordinator at the NFL level.

In November, Jones was asked on a radio show if he thinks Witten could be a head coach someday, per Harris. The longtime Cowboys owner reflected full confidence in Witten’s coaching promise, comparing him to the Lions’ Dan Campbell.

“He has something that you can’t draw up. He reminds me a lot of our other tight end who is head coach up there in Detroit right now,” Jones said. “Jason is very sophisticated when it comes to understanding football and all the nuances. But more important than anything, he really does understand the physical and the mentality of being physical and that part of it. Without a question, he could become (an NFL coach).” 

Jerry Jones on @1053thefan in November when asked if Jason Witten could be an NFL head coach.

“Yes. Without hesitation. Yes. He has something that you can’t draw up. He reminds me a lot of our other tight end who is head coach up there in Detroit right now (Dan Campbell).”… https://t.co/M8Rp867e4q

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) January 13, 2025 

MORE: Looking at the best candidates to replace Mike McCarthy in Dallas 

Jason Witten coaching history

Witten has never coached at the NFL level. However, shortly after his final retirement in 2021, he was named the head football coach at Liberty Christian School, a private Christian school in Argyle, Texas.

He’s been the head coach at Liberty Christian School since then, leading the school to back-to-back state football championships in 2023 and 2024.

Back in 2017 and 2021, Witten was also linked to the University of Tennessee head coaching position, but the star TE was still in the midst of his career in 2017, and nothing materialized with his alma mater in 2021 either. 

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How long did Jason Witten play for Cowboys?

If there’s one thing Witten would bring to the Cowboys as a coach, it’s a familiarity with the franchise. He spent 16 seasons as a tight end in Dallas.

After being selected by the Cowboys as a third-round pick out of Tennessee in 2003, Witten remained with the team until the end of the 2017 season. At that time, Witten retired briefly, joining ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” crew.

But by February 2019, Witten made a return to football, re-joining the Cowboys for the 2019 season. Witten spent the 2020 season with the Raiders, his only NFL season away from Dallas, before officially retiring in January 2021.

Over his long NFL career, Witten was a two-time First-team All-Pro, 11-time Pro Bowl selection, and the 2012 Walter Payton Man of the Year. He is the Cowboys’ franchise leader in receptions (1,215), receiving yards (12,977) and games played (255).

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Jason Witten stats

Here’s a look at the numbers from Witten’s 17-year NFL career, including 16 seasons with the Cowboys.