The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, are facing a significant turning point after parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy. Jerry Jones, the team’s owner, is now tasked with finding a new leader to guide the Cowboys in their pursuit of a championship. The coaching vacancy has sent ripples through the football world, with rumors swirling about potential candidates, including some big names like Deion Sanders, Bill Belichick, and Jon Gruden. However, there’s one name in particular that’s capturing the attention of both Dallas and Knoxville: former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.
The legendary VFL, who etched his name into Tennessee football history and became a household name in the NFL, is now being linked to the Cowboys’ head coaching job. While national outlets have yet to pick up on the rumors, local voices from Dallas media are raising Witten’s profile as a potential candidate.
Shan Shariff, a lead radio host for 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, has included Witten on his initial list of ten possible replacements for McCarthy, highlighting him as a viable option for the team’s next head coach. Marcus Mosher, the host of the Locked On Cowboys podcast, has also mentioned Witten as one of the “realistic” candidates, further stoking the fire of speculation. Mosher even suggested that the Cowboys might interview former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, head coach Ron Rivera, and Witten if McCarthy were to leave.
Zach Wolchuk of 105.3 The Fan echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Witten and Moore seem to be among the top choices for the job, even if it’s not necessarily a move that excites everyone. However, these local Dallas hosts have deep insights into the Cowboys organization, making their reports credible within the context of the ongoing coaching search.
It’s important to note that while the national media giants like Adam Schefter or Ian Rapoport haven’t weighed in on Witten’s potential candidacy, the buzz within Dallas cannot be ignored. Jerry Jones has long had a reputation for making splashy moves that keep the Cowboys in the media spotlight, and hiring a former player beloved by fans like Witten could align perfectly with that strategy.
Rumors about Witten returning to the Cowboys organization aren’t entirely new. Back in November, amid the Cowboys’ mid-season struggles, there was significant chatter about the possibility of McCarthy being fired during the season. Although that didn’t happen, former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant voiced his support for Witten’s return, saying he was excited about the idea of the former tight end coaching the team.
Since retiring from the NFL, Witten has carved out a new path in coaching. After briefly stepping away from football broadcasting, he took over as head coach at Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas, in 2021. Under his leadership, the school’s football team had an undefeated season and captured a state championship in 2023, further bolstering Witten’s coaching credentials.
Adding to the intrigue, Witten’s son, Cooper, is emerging as one of the top high school football prospects in the nation. The five-star recruit and standout player at Liberty Christian is ranked among the top 25 players in the 2027 recruiting class by 247 Sports. This connection only adds more attention to Witten’s name in football circles, as schools like Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas A&M have already extended scholarship offers to Cooper.
Could Jason Witten, the beloved former Cowboys star and Tennessee legend, be on the cusp of taking over one of the most storied franchises in the NFL? While the rumors are still in the early stages, the growing buzz surrounding Witten’s potential as the Cowboys’ next head coach is hard to ignore. Whether it’s a move to stir the fanbase or a genuine possibility, the coming weeks could determine whether Witten’s football career takes a dramatic new turn.
