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In a move that has Dallas Cowboys fans buzzing with excitement, former star tight end Jason Witten has taken a significant step in his coaching career that could eventually lead him back to the NFL—and specifically, to the sidelines in Arlington. Witten, an 11-time Pro Bowler and Cowboys legend, has accepted a position as the tight ends coach at the University of Oklahoma under head coach Brent Venables. This development, reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, replaces Joe Jon Finley and positions Witten on a trajectory that might culminate in a dream return to Dallas.

Witten’s coaching journey has been impressive thus far. Before joining the Sooners, he served as the head coach of the Liberty Christian Warriors in Argyle, Texas, where he achieved remarkable success. Under his leadership, the team won two state titles: one at the Division II level and another at Division I in their inaugural year at the highest classification in 2024. This track record highlights Witten’s ability to build winning programs, even at the high school level.

Tom Green of Sooners Illustrated praised the hire, emphasizing Witten’s deep roots in Texas as a key asset for recruiting. “He was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro tight end. What he lacks in experience at the college level, Witten makes up for in experience at the position,” Green wrote. “His knowledge of the position — paired with his deep ties to the state of Texas (particularly the north Texas region) — make him an enticing, somewhat outside-the-box candidate.”

The Denton area, part of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro, is a hotbed for talent, and Witten’s connections there could help Oklahoma bolster its roster in the NIL and revenue-sharing era. The Sooners are already investing heavily in key positions, with Witten’s former Cowboys teammate DeMarco Murray serving as the running backs coach. This duo of ex-Dallas stars adds a layer of NFL pedigree to Venables’ staff, potentially elevating the program’s appeal to recruits.

But the real intrigue lies in Witten’s long-term aspirations. Just a year ago, Witten was linked to the Cowboys’ head coaching vacancy, though he wasn’t interviewed. In a statement from February 12, he made his ambitions clear: “Of course it’s a long-term goal of mine one day to get back (to the NFL) when the right opportunity comes,” Witten said (h/t @calvinwatkins).

Witten’s path from position coach to NFL head coach isn’t unprecedented, but it will require strategic moves. Starting at Oklahoma, he could quickly ascend to offensive coordinator within a season or two, leveraging his expertise and the program’s resources. From there, a head coaching role at a Power 4 school—or even a jump straight to the pros—becomes plausible with sustained success.

However, for Witten to land a top job, circumstances must align. If Venables struggles in Norman, an internal promotion could open doors. Alternatively, Witten might need to prove himself at a smaller program before eyeing the NFL. Two to three years of high-level college success could make him a viable candidate for professional teams, including the Cowboys.

Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones has a history of favoring familiar faces. He promoted Brian Schottenheimer from offensive coordinator to head coach internally last year, a decision that drew mixed reactions but hasn’t imploded. Yet, Schottenheimer’s tenure feels precarious amid sky-high expectations and limited control. If the Cowboys falter in the coming seasons, Jones might look to Witten as a natural fit—a homegrown hero with unmatched loyalty to the star.

The cherry on top? Imagine Witten and Murray reuniting in Dallas. If timing works out, Jones could hire one as head coach and the other as offensive coordinator, blending nostalgia with proven talent. It’s a scenario that feels almost too perfect for Cowboys Nation.

For now, Witten’s focus is on developing tight ends in Norman, but the whispers of a Dallas homecoming are growing louder. As the NFL coaching carousel spins, keep an eye on this Sooner-turned-potential-Cowboy. It’s not just speculation—it’s happening, one coaching rung at a time.