NFL Legend Jason Witten to Begin High School Coaching Career in 2021

Former NFL tight end Jason Witten will become the head football coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas after his retirement, the high school announced on Feb. 1.

Witten played 16 years with the Dallas Cowboys and spent this past season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Witten plans to sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Cowboys in March.

“In this next chapter, it is important to me to be the best father and husband I can be, while making a positive impact in the community and share the wisdom I’ve accumulated over the years to positively impact the next generation," Witten said in a statement released by Liberty Christian.

Witten’s children attend Liberty Christian. Last season, the school finished 2-7.

“I am very excited about Jason coming on board and joining the Liberty Christian coaching staff,” said Liberty Athletic Director Johnny Isom. “We have an extremely talented, hard-working group of coaches and he will undoubtedly prove to be a wonderful addition. The football program will be in great hands under his leadership and I cannot wait to see the impact that he will have on the lives of athletes."

Witten played more games than any other tight end in NFL history. He finished his career with 1,228 catches for 13,046 yards — second-most in NFL history in both categories among tight ends. His 1,228 receptions ranks fourth-most in NFL history among players at all positions.

In high school, Witten played linebacker and tight end at Elizabethton High School in Tennessee. He was one of the best linebackers in the Volunteer State, earning All-State honors at the position.

As a three year starter, Witten led the school to three straight state semifinal appearances. He is still the school’s all-time leader with 450 tackles. At tight end, Witten caught 26 passes as a senior for 235 yards with 14 touchdowns.

In 1999, Witten was named a high-school All-American by Parade Magazine, USA TODAY and other media outlets. In 2005, Elizabethton named a street after the future Hall of Famer.

Witten is the second NFL star to end their player career and leap into coaching in early 2021. Quarterback Philip Rivers recently retired to become the head football coach at St. Michael’s Catholic High School in Alabama.