Patrik: I want to make it clear that Jason Witten is one of my all-time favorite NFL players — not just as a Cowboy but in the entire sport’s history.

He’s also one of my favorite people. However, none of that automatically qualifies him, or anyone, to succeed as an NFL head coach, especially for a high-pressure team like the Cowboys.

Witten’s coaching resume is very short and doesn’t include any experience above the high school level. That highlights my point about inexperience — and let’s be honest, there are far more Jeff Saturdays than Dan Campbells.

That being said, I do believe Witten will eventually become a phenomenal NFL head coach, just not yet. I’d be fully on board with him joining Dallas as a tight ends coach in 2025, but only if it doesn’t mean losing Lunda Wells. I’m very against that idea.

Nick: The irony here is incredible. Back when Jason Witten played for the Cowboys, the only time another player started over him at tight end was when Dan Campbell did in 2003.

To think we’re now comparing the two in the coaching world more than 20 years later is wild, but maybe not surprising. I’m sure Campbell taught Witten some things about being a professional, as they are cut from the same mold.

With that said, I think Witten absolutely has the potential to be like Campbell. In Detroit, Campbell has built a winning culture with tough, hard-playing athletes. He’s also relied on a strong assistant coaching staff, though we’ll soon see if he can sustain success after losing those assistants.

As for Witten, I don’t believe he’s ready to be a head coach yet, just as Campbell wasn’t at first. But Witten’s rise could come quickly. I expect him to start as an NFL tight ends coach soon and eventually climb to head coach. Like Campbell, he’ll need great assistants around him, especially early in his career.