25 former college football players destined to be future head coaches

8. Jason Witten, former Tennessee tight end

Jason Witten was on the list of possible candidates for the Tennessee job before the Volunteers hired Josh Heupel. Though Witten did not get the job, Witten could be on his way to becoming a head coach someday.

If Witten becomes a head coach, he’d join the likes of Mike Ditka, Ken Whisenhunt and Mike Mularkey as former tight ends who became head coaches. Playing tight end gives a player a unique perspective on the game.

Tight ends are both blockers and receivers. Witten was one of the last great pass-catching tight ends who were elite blockers as well. The Tennessee standout is second only to Tony Gonzalez in all-time receptions by a tight end.

Witten has already gotten his start in coaching accepting the head coaching job at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. Those young men will learn a lot from the future Hall of Famer.

If Witten decides to coach at a higher level, Witten is well-suited to be a great coach. Not only has he seen lots of different offenses during his time in the league, but Witten is also a natural leader. Witten is proof that there are different types of effective leadership.

Witten is not a quiet grinder as a leader. He’ll lead by example and stress accountability. Witten is the type of leader who can keep a steady hand when things get tough.