This week, the NFL announced the 32 nominees for the 2023 Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award. One of those nominees is Westlake resident Jason Witten, former Dallas Cowboy great and current Liberty Christian football coach.
The Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award recognizes high school football coaches who have successfully molded the lives of young players on and off the field. These coaches serve as leaders and role models and represent the epitome of character, integrity, leadership, dedication, commitment to player health and safety and on-field success, some of the values that defined the Hall of Fame career of Don Shula for more than 30 years predominantly with the Miami Dolphins.
After announcing his retirement from the Cowboys in 2021, Witten took on the role of head coach at Liberty Christian the same year and finished his inaugural season with a 2-8 record. Witten, who also counts his two sons CJ and Cooper on the roster, quickly turned the team’s fortunes around and has compiled a 24-2 record over the last two seasons.
“I think you can make a difference in young kids’ lives,” Jason previously said to Southlake Style. “I get the chance to share my knowledge and beliefs with all these kids and hopefully make a positive impact on their life that will stay with them long after they leave our program.”
The NFL will recognize one winner from the region near an NFL Club in each conference, AFC and NFC. These two winners will be invited to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, Florida, on Feb. 4 and will be recognized during the NFL’s week-long celebration. The NFL Foundation and Nike have also teamed up to provide each winner with a $15,000 award for their high school football programs and a $10,000 cash award. The other 30 club nominees will also receive a $1,000 cash award. The two winners will also attend Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas as special guests of the NFL.
The award winners will be announced the week prior to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, televised on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 3-6 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC. For more information visit the NFL Foundation's website.