Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has expressed strong confidence that former teammate Jason Witten could eventually land a head coaching position in the NFL. The sentiment was shared during a practice session on Thursday in Frisco, Texas, where Prescott highlighted Witten's impressive trajectory in the coaching world. While the timeline for such a move remains years away, Prescott believes the former tight end possesses the necessary qualities to succeed at the highest level of professional football.
Witten's path from player to coach has been swift and successful. After retiring from the NFL following the 2020 season, he immediately accepted the head coaching role at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. Under his leadership, the school achieved historic success, winning back-to-back state championships in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools for both 2023 and 2024. This marked the first time the program had secured consecutive state titles in football.
The momentum carried Witten into the college ranks in January 2026, when he joined the Oklahoma Sooners staff as their tight ends coach. His position was elevated further on November 2 when the Sooners fired Ben Arbuckle, prompting Witten to step in as the interim offensive coordinator. In his debut as the team's play caller, Witten guided Oklahoma to a surprising road victory against the 24th-ranked Florida Gators, winning the game 23 to 7.
Prescott, now in his eleventh season in the NFL, noted that while the demands of coaching differ significantly between high school, college, and the pros, Witten is well suited for the transition. "Absolutely, if that's what he wants to do," Prescott said. "I think there's a big difference between high school, college and NFL and what coaches are asked to do and what coaches are trying to accomplish. But if that's what he wants, then absolutely."
The quarterback, who is now 33 years old, views Witten as a natural leader. When Prescott entered the league as a fourth-round rookie filling in for Tony Romo, Witten was already an established figure in the locker room. Prescott credited Witten with empowering him during those early years, which explains why he is not surprised by his former teammate's current success in coaching.
"Not surprised by anything he's done, just knowing that football runs in Witt's veins, and that he'd be a coach and good at it," Prescott explained. He observed Witten's rapid climb from high school coaching to a college tight ends role, and then to a coordinator position within a single year. Prescott believes this trajectory could lead to a permanent coordinator job at Oklahoma or a head coaching opportunity elsewhere.
Witten recently gained attention on social media for a candid moment during the Florida game, where he was seen correcting a wide receiver for running an incorrect route. When asked if Witten had ever given him a similar lecture during his rookie year, Prescott laughed and said he mostly received the silent treatment if he did not throw the ball to the tight end. He noted that Witten understood Prescott was just as frustrated with himself for the missed connection.
The relationship between the two players has been defined by mutual respect and a shared understanding of the game. Prescott emphasized that he watched Witten work to improve the offense and the team as a whole, always doing things the right way. This foundation has given Prescott confidence in Witten's abilities as a coach.
If the Oklahoma Sooners can maintain their success under Witten's interim leadership, the door to the NFL could open wider. It is not considered a shock scenario for Jerry Jones or Stephen Jones to reach out to Witten in the future. For now, the Cowboys quarterback continues to support his former teammate's journey, viewing him as a man who has always understood the complexities of the sport.
The narrative surrounding Witten has shifted from a celebrated player to a respected coach who is making his mark in the college game. His ability to connect with players and execute game plans has been evident in his recent results. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether his early success can translate into a sustained period of high performance for the Sooners.
