I was hoping a real expert would post an answer. In my limited experience with fruit trees and specifically fig trees, you are exactly right. You should be able to prune your tree at 2 feet and dormant buds will awaken and give you the branching structure you want.

I agree with Yeehova.
Though normally the buds at the top have more probability of opening up but sometimes the branching may take place at different heights. After some growth you can choose which branches to keep and which ones to remove.

Thanks. I figured I would throw in a picture as well to see if that helps. You can see the top of the main stem is green and has green buds. Further down, where I think I need to cut it, it is brown, more "trunk" like. The buds (if that is what I should call the nub off of the side of the "trunk") aren't growing anything down where it is brown.

The old dead tree is actually still there, so you can see where it branched out originally.

Also, there are two more shoots coming out of the other side of the old dead tree. They are smaller, but leaves are growing on them. Should I keep these?

I really love the fig tree and can't wait for it to return to it's old glory - so I want to make sure I do the right thing and don't kill it!

LivinzIife, I agree with previous posters who say that cutting back the main stem back will not hurt the fig. In fact, you could use the removed length for a cutting or two and start new backup plants! I would also cut the original trunk back to ground level. This would give better balance and symmetry with the new branches to encourage a lower, compact bush form, especially if it is to remain potted.