BREAKING: Cowboys Icon Jason Witten Begins Coaching Career

FRISCO - Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten has talked for years about going into coaching upon NFL retirement. That retirement occurred last week, ending a 17-year playing career that will likely take him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

And "Coach Witten'' begins today.

Witten, 38, has signed on with Liberty Christian School to serve as the head coach of their football program, the private school located in Argyle announced on Monday morning.

"Liberty Christian School is excited to announce our new Head Football Coach Jason Witten. Jason, former Dallas Cowboy tight end and long-time Liberty parent, will be joining the Liberty Christian coaching staff as Head Football Coach. It’s a great day to be a Warrior!"

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Last week, after saying goodbye to his one season with the Raiders (Witten will sign a one-day contract with Dallas so he can "retire a Cowboy''), the long-time standout said, "I gave it my absolute all.''

READ MORE: Cowboys Legend Jason Witten Retiring: 'I Gave It My Absolute All'

Amid rumors that Witten might land a more high-profile job, with the Cowboys or the University of Tennessee - he is a hero in the eyes of many in both programs - there is wisdom in this move, both as a family man (he'll be involved with his kids) and a career man (he'll learn coaching from the ground up, rather than being treated like a "star.'')

While he surely had offers from NFL and college programs ... those can wait.

READ MORE: Cowboys Icon Witten's Retirement Advice From Jerry Jones

Witten always said, "The secret is in the dirt.'' He'll now teach that secret to kids as he begins his coaching career.

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