Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Former Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten has been hired as the next head football coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas.
Witten declined multiple NFL and college football coaching opportunities, opting to coach at the school his children attend.
"Faith. Family. Football," Witten said in a statement Monday. "In this next chapter, it is important to me to be the best father and husband I can be, while making a positive impact in the community and share the wisdom I've accumulated over the years to positively impact the next generation."
The 38-year-old Witten joins former Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, who retired after a 17-year career, in moving from the professional level to high school. Rivers previously accepted the head-coaching job at St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Ala.
Witten announced his retirement from the NFL last week, ending his 17-year run in the league. He intends to sign a one-day contract with the Cowboys in March once his deal with the Raiders expires.
Witten, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, spent 16 seasons in Dallas before playing for the Raiders in 2020. No tight end in league history has played more games than Witten (271), and only Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez has more receptions and receiving yards at the position.
Witten initially retired following the 2017 season and spent the 2018 campaign as an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football. He later decided to unretire and return to the Cowboys in 2019.
A third-round pick in the 2003 draft, Witten finished as the Cowboys' all-time leader in receptions (1,215) and receiving yards (12,977).