{"id":26732,"date":"2025-02-17T08:32:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T08:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=26732"},"modified":"2025-02-17T08:32:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T08:32:39","slug":"breaking-jason-witten-has-expressed-that-his-long-term-ambition-is-to-be-the-head-coach-of-the-cowboys-one-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=26732","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING : Jason Witten has expressed that his long-term ambition is to be the head coach of the Cowboys one day ."},"content":{"rendered":"

Former\u00a0Dallas Cowboys\u00a0tight end Jason Witten is building his coaching resume at the high school level, but his ultimate ambitions reach much higher: the NFL sidelines.<\/p>\n

Witten, who has led his high school program, Liberty Christian to consecutive state championships, addressed his coaching aspirations during Wednesday’s Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award ceremony at AT&T Stadium, where speculation about his potential NFL coaching future has intensified.<\/p>\n

\n
Jason Witten has expressed that his long-term ambition is to be the head coach of the Cowboys one day.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI did not talk to Jerry [Jones] about it. I think they went through a thorough process for them and got to a place where they felt like Brian [Schottenheimer] was the guy. But, yeah, of course that\u2019s a long-term goal of mine to one day get back there, when the right opportunity comes.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“Of course, that’s a long-term goal of mine one day to get back there when the right opportunity comes,” Witten said via\u00a0DallasCowboys.com<\/em>. “When the right time and the right opportunity comes, I’m excited to embark on that next chapter.”<\/p>\n

\"Jason
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten smiles on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium. | Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Cowboys’ all-time leader in games played was notably absent from consideration during Dallas’s recent head coaching search, which concluded with Brian Schottenheimer’s appointment. Witten confirmed he wasn’t contacted during the process, though Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly endorsed his potential as an NFL coach.<\/p>\n

MORE:<\/strong>\u00a0Troy Aikman thinks Brian Schottenheimer will bring important asset to Cowboys<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Without hesitation, yes. He has something that you can’t draw up,”\u00a0Jones said on 105.3 The Fan last month. “He reminds me a lot of our other tight end [Dan Campbell] who is head coach up there in Detroit right now.”<\/p>\n

Jones added: “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]. He has extraordinary work ethic… He can be a top coach.”<\/p>\n

\"Jason
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten celebrates with head coach Jason Garrett during the third quarter against the Washington Redskins at Cowboys Stadium. | Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For now, Witten remains focused on his current role in high school football, where he’s finding fulfillment in mentoring young players, including his children.<\/p>\n

“For me to be able to coach my sons and take over a program and win back-to-back state championships at that level, it’s been special and memories that I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life,” Witten said.<\/p>\n

MORE:\u00a0<\/strong>Cowboys legend unhappy about team’s lack of playoff, Super Bowl success<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The 11-time Pro Bowler acknowledges the challenges ahead in pursuing an NFL coaching career.<\/p>\n

“I think when you sign up for that, you know what you’re signing up for, and you know that it’s part of the gig,” he said. “For me, it’s continuing to learn and grow and certainly if you join somebody’s staff, you want it to be an opportunity that you can be equipped and be a sponge.”<\/p>\n

\"Jason
Jason Witten, an Elizabeth alum and former Tennessee Volunteer and Dallas Cowboy, watches from the sidelines during the TSSAA Class 4A BlueCross Bowl football game. | Brianna Paciorka\/News Sentinel \/ USA TODAY NETWORK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Witten was present at AT&T Stadium to present the Collegiate Man of the Year award, which recognizes an FBS player exemplifying leadership through courage, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.<\/p>\n

This year’s winner was Kentucky linebacker J.J. Weaver.<\/p>\n

Beginning in 2026, Witten will be eligible for election to the\u00a0Pro Football Hall of Fame<\/a>\u00a0along with a few of his former teammates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Former\u00a0Dallas Cowboys\u00a0tight end Jason Witten is building his coaching resume at the high school level, but his ultimate ambitions reach much higher: the NFL sidelines. 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