As we continue to see changes across the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff, one job that has become open is the position coach for tight ends. This leads to a very natural question; could veteran Jason Witten now move into this role?
Doug Nussmeier has served as the TE coach for the last two seasons. It was just announced yesterday that Nussmeier will be switching to quarterbacks coach, with Jon Kitna leaving the staff completely.
Jason Witten is universally considered one of the best tight ends in NFL history and a future in coaching has been discussed for a long time. Could this be the right time for him to finally trade his cleats for a clipboard?
While he hasn’t made any firm commitment yet about his plans for 2020, Witten has indicated that he could still see himself playing another year. He would need a new contract from Dallas for that job as well; he only signed a one-year contract when he came out of retirement in 2019.
There is no sign that Jason wants to return to announcing. His one-year run with Monday Night Football was met with much criticism and he certainly seems happier being closer to the field.
Even if Witten does want the TE coaching job in Dallas, there is no guarantee that Mike McCarthy would want Jason for his staff. McCarthy could be wary of keeping such a staunch “Garrett guy” on staff while trying to move the Cowboys in a new direction.
With Kitna and Marc Colombo both being shown the door this week, it would seem that the new head coach is looking to take full ownership of the offense.
That said, it’s entirely possible that McCarthy would value what Witten offers in teaching the technical aspects of playing the TE position. The fact that he’s keeping Kellen Moore on staff proves Mike isn’t determined for a complete overhaul.
We should know pretty quickly what Jason Witten’s future will be; player or coach, with Dallas or somewhere else in the world of football. I’m sure I speak for many Cowboys fans in saying that I would love for Witten to still be part of the organization in any capacity.
