It's taken some time but Dallas Cowboys fans are warming up to head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the coaching staff he's built. The former offensive coordinator's name isn't as big as Bill Belichick or Mike Vrabel — two names who were linked at various times to the Cowboys HC opening — but he's done enough in recent weeks to have the Cowboys fanbase feeling optimistic about 2025.
Another name who was linked to the then-vacant job was ex-Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Now that time has passed since the coaching search concluded, the 11-time Pro Bowl TE has opened up about his NFL head coaching goals.
Cowboys News: Jason Witten Talks Head Coaching Plans
During Wednesday's conversation with Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins, Witten revealed that his "long-term goals" involve being an NFL head coach one day. He also added that he wasn't even close to coaching the Cowboys next season.
"I did not talk to Jerry (Jones) about it," Witten said regarding the offseason HC vacancy. "They got to a place where they felt like Brian was the guy... I'll always pull for the Cowboys."
"But yeah, of course it's a long-term goal of mine one day to get back (to the NFL) when the right opportunity comes."
Jason Witten said he did not talk to the Cowboys about a coaching position. pic.twitter.com/wQhx5y4LU2
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 13, 2025
Witten, 42, spent 17 seasons in the NFL — 16 with the Cowboys before spending his final campaign (2020) with the Las Vegas Raiders. After retiring from the sport, the Washington, D.C. native quickly found himself hired in 2021 as Liberty Christian's high school football coach, allowing him to coach his sons in the process.
The Warriors have had tremendous success under Witten's guidance, which includes winning their second of back-to-back state championships in December.
"To be able to coach my sons, take over a program, and win back-to-back state championships at that level has been really special and memories I'll keep with me for the rest of my life," Witten said. "When the right time and right opportunity comes, I'm excited to embark on that next chapter."
Witten's patience shows that he doesn't want to rush into a job he isn't ready for. He wants to build up coaching experience before jumping into an NFL gig, and joining the Cowboys after last year's abysmal season could've seen him go from beloved fan favorite to the local whipping boy depending on how the 2025 campaign unfolded.
For now, Witten will spend at least one more season at Liberty Christian, gunning for a third consecutive state title.
In the meantime, the Schottenheimer-led Cowboys will head into free agency tied for the 20th-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+5500) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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