KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Volunteers football program has made a significant addition to its coaching staff, as legendary former Vols tight end Jason Witten has been named the team’s new tight ends coach.
Witten, a 1999 All-American at Tennessee, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having played 17 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys.
The 41-year-old Witten is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro twice.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Jason back to Rocky Top,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. “His passion for the game, his knowledge of the tight end position, and his experience playing at the highest level will be invaluable assets to our program. We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make on our student-athletes.”
Witten’s hiring is a homecoming of sorts, as he returns to the program where he began his collegiate career. A native of Elizabethton, Tenn., Witten was a standout player for the Vols from 1999-2002, earning All-SEC honors twice and helping lead Tennessee to a 32-13 record during his time on campus.
“I’m honored to be back at Tennessee and to have the opportunity to give back to the program that gave me so much,” Witten said. “I’m excited to work with Coach Heupel and the rest of the staff to help develop our tight ends and contribute to the success of the program.”
Witten’s coaching career began in 2020, when he joined the Liberty Christian School coaching staff in Argyle, Texas.
He served as the school’s head football coach for two seasons before accepting the tight ends coach position at Tennessee.
“Jason is an outstanding coach and an even better person,” Heupel said. “We’re fortunate to have him on our staff, and I’m confident he’ll make a positive impact on our program.”
Witten’s hiring is the latest in a series of moves aimed at bolstering the Tennessee coaching staff. The Vols have also added former NFL coach and player, Alex Van Pelt, as the team’s new quarterbacks coach.
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