In January 2025, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reportedly considered former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten as a potential successor to head coach Mike McCarthy. NFL Network’s Jane Slater revealed that Jones had discussed the idea of Witten serving as an “heir apparent” to McCarthy, aiming to groom him for a future head coaching role. ([si.com](https://www.si.com/nfl/jason-witten-viewed-heir-apparent-mike-mccarthy-jerry-jones?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
This plan was reportedly part of Jones’s strategy to ensure continuity and leverage Witten’s deep understanding of the Cowboys’ culture and operations. However, McCarthy’s unexpected decision to leave the organization disrupted these plans. Slater noted that McCarthy’s departure “surprised” Jones, who had intended to continue their collaboration. ([si.com](https://www.si.com/nfl/mike-mccarthy-leaving-negotiation-table-surprised-jerry-jones?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Following McCarthy’s exit, the Cowboys conducted a thorough search for a new head coach. After considering various candidates, including Witten, Jones ultimately hired Brian Schottenheimer, the team’s former offensive coordinator, as the new head coach. Schottenheimer’s promotion was seen as a move to maintain offensive continuity, especially with key players like quarterback Dak Prescott. ([bloggingtheboys.com](https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2025/1/28/24353534/dallas-cowboys-news-brian-schottenheimer-officially-introduced-coaching-staff-hires-updates?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Despite the initial plans involving Witten, he was not included in the Cowboys’ coaching staff for the 2025 season. Reports confirmed that Witten would not be joining the team in any capacity, leaving fans to speculate about his future in coaching. ([bustedcoverage.com](https://bustedcoverage.com/2025/01/25/jason-witten-excluded-from-cowboys-coaching-plans/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In summary, while Jerry Jones had envisioned Jason Witten as a potential future head coach, McCarthy’s departure led to a change in plans, resulting in Schottenheimer’s appointment and Witten’s exclusion from the Cowboys’ coaching staff.
– [bloggingtheboys.com](https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2025/1/28/24353534/dallas-cowboys-news-brian-schottenheimer-officially-introduced-coaching-staff-hires-updates?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [talksport.com](https://talksport.com/nfl/2837663/jerry-jones-dallas-cowboys-brian-schottenheimer-nfl-hire/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/01/27/sports/jerry-jones-defiant-on-cowboys-brian-schottenheimer-risk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
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