Jason Witten will not remain with Raiders

Jason Witten is ending his career as a Dallas Cowboy and he is staying there in Texas.

It was announced on Monday that the newly-retired Las Vegas Raiders tight end will become the head coach of Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, which is just outside of Dallas.

Last week, Witten decided to retire from the NFL. The star tight end will sign a one-day contract with the Cowboys in March after his one-year contract with the Raiders expires. Witten spent 17 seasons with the Cowboys before playing for Las Vegas in 2020 (with a stint in ESPN’s Monday Night Football in between).

Witten’s decision to go to Texas and coach high school does have some interest in this community. There was speculation that he could be part of Jon Gruden’s staff in 2021, especially with the team needing a new tight ends coach because of Frank Smith’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers. A replacement for Smith has not been announced.

Gruden said he thinks Witten will be a great coach. In addition to the Raiders, there was speculation Witten could land at his alma mater, Tennessee.

But off to high school Witten goes. Frankly, I think it’s the right move for him. Sure, Witten will end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player, but coaching and playing are two different animals. Starting in the high school ranks (Texas is the big leagues of high school football) will be good for Witten. If he wants to move on to higher levels after getting more coaching experience, there will surely be opportunities for Witten.

In fact, I bet Gruden will be just a phone call away in a few years.