Cowboy Roundup: Is Kellen Moore a Viable Head Coach? The Search Has Already Gone Peasant
As the NFL’s offseason marches on and teams begin their search for the next great leader to guide them through the grueling demands of the regular season, one name has emerged as a potential candidate for a head coaching job that has raised more than a few eyebrows: Kellen Moore. The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, who has been with the team since 2018, has quickly risen through the ranks from an undrafted free agent quarterback to an integral part of one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.
Despite some questions about his readiness for the top job, Moore has been consistently linked to coaching searches across the league. The Dallas Cowboys, under owner Jerry Jones, have often been in the spotlight due to their high-profile nature, and in recent years, the team has struggled to find the right leader who can get them past the divisional round of the playoffs. As such, the search for a head coach has become a critical topic, and some are starting to ask: Is Kellen Moore the right man for the job?
The Case for Kellen Moore as a Head Coach
1. Offensive Mind and Innovation
One of the most compelling arguments in favor of Moore’s candidacy is his offensive acumen. During his tenure as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, Moore has shown himself to be a highly innovative coach. He was instrumental in helping the team evolve from a conservative, run-heavy approach into one that balances both the run and pass, making use of the wide array of weapons at the team’s disposal.
Moore’s ability to craft a dynamic offense around a variety of talent has been well-documented. Whether it’s Dak Prescott at quarterback, Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield, or a talented receiving corps, Moore’s schemes have been designed to take advantage of each player’s strengths. The Cowboys’ offense under Moore has consistently ranked near the top of the NFL in total yardage, and he has been a big part of the team’s success in making the most of their offensive line and quarterback play.
The fact that Moore’s offenses have adapted and thrived in both the run and pass game is a testament to his versatility as a playcaller and a coach. More than just a tactical coordinator, Moore has shown that he can design systems that cater to his players’ unique skill sets. This adaptability, coupled with his understanding of modern offensive concepts, makes Moore an attractive candidate for a head coaching role. His success with Dallas’ offense could easily translate into success as a head coach, provided he can find the right balance between offense, defense, and team culture.
2. Success as a Young Coach
Moore’s youth is often cited as a reason to be both optimistic and wary of his potential as a head coach. He’s just 35 years old and, in many ways, could be considered the next wave of younger, forward-thinking coaches in the NFL. His age is also an advantage in that it may allow him to connect more easily with players—particularly younger ones—who may see him as someone who understands the modern game in ways that older coaches may not.
There’s also the reality that Moore’s rapid rise through the ranks, from backup quarterback to offensive coordinator, shows that he has the intelligence, work ethic, and drive needed to succeed. Many young coaches, such as Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur, have proven that the NFL is not simply a league for seasoned veterans when it comes to head coaching roles. Moore’s ability to connect with players and instill an offensive mindset is crucial, and he’s done that as a coordinator.
3. Leadership Potential
Kellen Moore’s leadership potential is an area of focus for those who support his candidacy for a head coaching role. While Moore has not had experience as a head coach at any level, his influence as a coordinator is notable. He has shown that he can effectively communicate with players and keep an offensive unit engaged, no matter how much adversity they face.
The way Moore has handled Dak Prescott’s development into one of the top quarterbacks in the league should also be viewed as an asset. He’s been responsible for working with Prescott in terms of refining his mechanics, expanding his knowledge of the game, and helping him become a better leader on the field. That kind of mentorship is vital for any head coach, and Moore’s ability to influence players positively could carry over into a head coaching role.
The Case Against Kellen Moore as a Head Coach
1. Lack of Defensive Experience
One of the biggest criticisms of Kellen Moore’s candidacy is his lack of experience in defensive football. While it’s true that head coaches don’t always have to come from a defensive or offensive background, Moore’s track record is solely in offense. When constructing a balanced and competitive football team, understanding the defensive side of the ball is crucial for a head coach to make well-rounded decisions and lead effectively.
The Cowboys’ defense has improved in recent years, especially under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, but Moore does not have a proven track record when it comes to assembling, developing, or managing a defense. In the modern NFL, where offensive and defensive units need to work cohesively, Moore’s lack of experience on the defensive side could be a significant concern.
2. Inconsistencies in Playcalling
Despite Moore’s overall success with the Cowboys’ offense, his playcalling has sometimes been criticized for being inconsistent. There have been instances where the team’s offense has struggled to find rhythm, particularly in key games or in the postseason. The ability to adjust and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations is a key attribute for any head coach, and Moore’s struggles with playcalling in certain games may be a red flag.
The Cowboys have often looked great offensively during the regular season, only to falter in high-stakes situations. In 2022, for instance, Moore’s offense faltered in the postseason against the San Francisco 49ers, failing to capitalize on several opportunities. While some of this can be attributed to Dak Prescott’s struggles, Moore’s inability to make effective adjustments was noticeable.
In a head coaching position, Moore would have to oversee more than just the offense, and this lack of consistency with playcalling could be a major hurdle for him to overcome. A head coach must be able to adjust not only offensively but also across the entire team, ensuring that every player is prepared for any situation.
3. Lack of Head Coaching Experience
It’s important to remember that Moore has never been a head coach at any level. While he has served as an offensive coordinator for several years, he has not demonstrated the ability to manage an entire team. Leading a team involves a different set of responsibilities, including making personnel decisions, overseeing the entire coaching staff, and managing the emotional dynamics of a roster. These are all aspects that Moore has not had to deal with yet.
Head coaching is an entirely different beast than coordinating an offense, and Moore would likely face a steep learning curve. While some coaches make the jump smoothly, others struggle with the transition. Given his lack of experience, it’s unclear whether Moore is ready to take on the full responsibility of running an NFL team.
