Fort Worth-area high school hires former Dallas Cowboys QB to coach football team
Kevin Ozee was hired on as Burleson ISD’s Director of Athletics in February. His first official day was March 2.
Just a week on the job and he’s already reeling in his first big fish.
And he’s a former NFL quarterback.
Burleson ISD approved the hiring of Jon Kitna as the next head football coach and athletic director at Burleson High School during Monday night’s school board meeting.
“Burleson High School was looking for a head coach and athletic coordinator to build not only a strong program, but also strong relationships among students and the community,” said BISD Superintendent Dr. Bret Jimerson. “I believe the committee got it right in selecting coach Kitna to lead the program.”
Kitna, who spent the last two seasons of his 14-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys (2009-2011), replaces Gary McElory.
McElroy went 44-42 and had four playoff appearances with the Elks before accepting the same position at Peaster in February.
“The football position being opened was attractive when I was looking at this job. I always keep a short list in my head and I knew Jon and what kind of person he is,” Ozee said. “We kept in touch and when I researched about this opening, Jon kept checking all the boxes. It’s a good match.”
Kitna, 47, spent the past season as the quarterbacks coach with the Cowboys. He wasn’t retained under new head coach Mike McCarthy, but was credited with helping Dak Prescott, who had a career year in passing yards (4,902) and passing touchdowns (30).
“Jon Kitna is an outstanding football coach and an even better person. He has proven to be a wonderful teacher of the game both at the high school and professional level,” Dallas Cowboys Football Club Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones said in a press release from BISD. “He has a unique gift of bringing out the best in all of the people he works with, and his love and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge of the game is a valued asset to any program at any level.
“As a football coach or a family man, he is the real deal and a champion.”
Prior to the Cowboys, Kitna spent a year coaching at Brophy College Prep in Phoenix. He led the Broncos to a 7-3 record and a playoff appearance in 2018.
Kitna also led Waxahachie for three seasons (2015-17), compiling a 20-13 record and one playoff berth before resigning his post following his final year.
“Definitely missed the high school game and the relationships you make with the kids, and the impact you can have,” said Kitna, who turned away multiple NFL offers. “Initially what attracted me was Kevin Ozee. Knowing I can work for that guy, it doesn’t get any better. He fights for the best of the kids which is what I’m all about. The more I got to know about Burleson and getting to see it, I was super excited.”
During his tenure with the Indians, Kitna coached wide receiver Jalen Reagor, who went on to star at TCU. Reagor is expected to be among the top draft picks during April’s NFL Draft.
“Coach Kitna came into the program, changed the culture, and taught me how to be a R.E.A.L. man: reject passivity, empathize with others, accept responsibility, lead courageously,” said Reagor. “These things stuck with me throughout high school and my college career.”
“Coach Kitna is a great offensive mind and is a proven head coach,” added TCU football coach Gary Patterson. “He knows what it takes to prepare to play at a higher level.”
He coached at his Alma mater, Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington. The team improved each year, starting 5-5 in 2012. Kitna posted a 8-2 record in 2013 before going 11-1 and 7-0 in conference play in 2014.
Kitna played for four organization during his NFL career (Dallas, Detroit, Cincinnati, Seattle). He threw for 29,745 yards and 169 touchdowns on 60.3 completion percentage.
His son, Jalen, is a 3-star 2021 quarterback who played Frisco Reedy in 2019. He will join the Burleson football team.
“We move as a family. He’s going to be here,” Jon said.
In the past two seasons with Reedy and Brophy Prep, Kitna threw for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Jalen Kitna is ranked the No. 21 pro-style QB in the country and 71st overall player in the state according to 247Sports. He had committed to Boston College before changing his mind in January. He holds 12 offers, which includes Arizona, Tennessee and Georgia Tech.
“I want to produce a leadership factory here,” Kitna said. “In this community or county, Johnson County, when they’re looking for leadership, I want them to say ‘go check out those kids at Burleson High’ because they have the traits they’re looking for and that they’re real men.”
This story was originally published March 9, 2020 at 5:41 PM.
