Jason Witten hasn’t been on the job for more than a day, and already he’s speaking like a man who’s worn the crimson and cream his whole life.
The Oklahoma Sooners officially announced Witten as their new tight ends coach on Thursday, stepping in for Joe Jon Finley. And while the hire had been reported earlier, this was the first time we heard directly from Witten in his new role - and let’s just say, he gets it.
Witten may be a Tennessee alum, but he’s not walking into Norman with any illusions. He knows exactly what Oklahoma Football represents. And he’s not just talking the talk - he’s already walking it.
“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 said in a statement. “So I’m thankful to Coach Venables for the opportunity to work together.
It’s been clear to me from the outset that he’s one of the best leaders of men in football. And he has the pieces in place to compete for championships, so I’m excited to work under him and Coach Arbuckle and with the rest of the staff.
It’s a tremendous opportunity and I’m proud to be a Sooner.”
That’s not lip service. That’s a guy who’s been in the fire and knows what it takes to win - and to lead.
Witten brings with him a résumé that speaks volumes. Seventeen seasons in the NFL, 16 of them with the Dallas Cowboys - the most scrutinized and spotlighted franchise in the league.
He wasn’t just a good player; he was elite. Eleven Pro Bowls, two First-Team All-Pro selections, and now a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Witten played the game at the highest level, under the brightest lights, and thrived.
And after hanging up the cleats, he didn’t just disappear into retirement. He went back to the grassroots of the game, taking over as head coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. There, he led his team to two state championships - proving that his leadership translates just as well to the sidelines as it did on the field.
Now, he’s bringing that same energy, experience, and standard of excellence to Norman.
And he’s wasting no time. Less than 24 hours into the job, Witten helped land a commitment from Tennessee transfer tight end Jack Van Dorselaer - a player the Sooners missed out on when he was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class.
That’s a statement move. It’s also a sign that Witten isn’t easing into this role - he’s attacking it with the same intensity he brought to every snap in the NFL.
But beyond the recruiting wins and the Hall of Fame credentials, what stands out most is Witten’s alignment with Brent Venables’ vision for the program. It’s not just about developing great players - it’s about developing great men.
“I know what the expectations and standards of Oklahoma Football are and I’m excited to lean into and embrace those,” Witten said. “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.
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.”
That’s the kind of mindset that resonates in Norman. Oklahoma doesn’t just want coaches who can draw up plays - they want leaders who can shape a locker room, build a culture, and push young athletes to be their absolute best.
Witten knows what championship-level football looks like. He’s lived it. And now, he's bringing that same standard to a Sooners program that expects nothing less.
One day in, and Jason Witten is already showing he’s the right fit.