Kellen Moore: A Strong Candidate for the Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Position
As the Dallas Cowboys look to navigate the future of their football team, one of the most intriguing candidates for the head coach position is Kellen Moore, the current offensive coordinator of the team. Moore, who has spent several years as part of the Cowboys organization both as a player and a coach, presents a compelling case for why he should be considered the next head coach. His understanding of the team, familiarity with the coaching staff, and innovative offensive strategies all make him a strong candidate for the position.
This article will explore Kellen Moore’s background, his coaching career, and why he is one of the best candidates to take over as the Dallas Cowboys’ next head coach.
Early Life and Playing Career
Kellen Moore’s journey into football began long before he became the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Born on July 5, 1988, in Prosser, Washington, Moore developed a passion for football at an early age. His father, Tom Moore, was a high school coach, and Kellen grew up around the game, learning about its intricacies and gaining a love for the sport.
Moore attended Prosser High School, where he became the starting quarterback. His high school performance earned him a scholarship to play at Boise State University, where he truly began to make a name for himself in the world of football.
At Boise State, Moore was a highly successful quarterback, breaking multiple school and NCAA records. He became the winningest quarterback in NCAA FBS history, with a remarkable 50-3 record as a starter. His college career was marked by impressive performances in big games, including multiple bowl victories. Moore’s exceptional football IQ, accuracy, and leadership on the field made him a standout, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
In 2012, Kellen Moore went undrafted in the NFL Draft but was signed by the Detroit Lions as a free agent. He spent time as a backup quarterback for the Lions but ultimately was waived in 2014. Moore’s playing career was short-lived, but his experience as a quarterback gave him a deep understanding of the game, which would later serve him well in his coaching career.
Transition to Coaching
After his playing days ended, Kellen Moore transitioned to coaching, initially as a quarterbacks coach. His first coaching opportunity came in 2015 when he joined the Dallas Cowboys as a quality control coach. This position allowed Moore to work closely with the team’s quarterbacks and offensive schemes, laying the foundation for his future coaching career.
In 2018, Moore’s career took a significant step forward when he was promoted to the offensive coordinator role under head coach Jason Garrett. At just 30 years old, Moore became one of the youngest offensive coordinators in the NFL. Despite his youth, Moore quickly made an impression with his innovative approach to the offense and his ability to adapt to the strengths of his players.
Under Moore’s guidance, the Cowboys’ offense flourished. His first season as offensive coordinator in 2018 was marked by a noticeable improvement in the team’s performance. The Cowboys finished the season ranked 6th in total yards, a stark contrast to previous seasons. Moore’s offensive scheme was dynamic and balanced, utilizing a mix of both the running and passing game. His ability to integrate Dak Prescott’s strengths as a dual-threat quarterback helped elevate the team’s offense to new heights.
Moore’s offensive success continued in the following seasons. In 2019, the Cowboys ranked 1st in total offense, a testament to Moore’s ability to create a high-powered, fast-paced attack. Despite this, the Cowboys struggled to make a deep playoff run, and in 2020, the team’s offense took a slight step back due to injuries and inconsistencies on the offensive line.
However, Moore’s coaching ability was never in doubt. Even in the face of adversity, he maintained a reputation for being a sharp, innovative mind with a knack for developing young players and making adjustments throughout the season. His work with Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and the offensive line was highly regarded, and Moore’s ability to stay calm under pressure earned him the respect of players and coaches alike.
The Case for Kellen Moore as Head Coach
As the Cowboys evaluate potential candidates for the head coaching position, Kellen Moore is an obvious choice for several reasons. His experience within the organization, his leadership qualities, and his innovative offensive mind all make him one of the top candidates for the job.
- Familiarity with the Team and Culture
One of the most significant advantages Moore has is his deep understanding of the Cowboys’ culture. Having spent years with the organization as both a player and a coach, Moore knows the ins and outs of the franchise. He is familiar with the team’s strengths, weaknesses, and the challenges that come with playing in Dallas, a city with immense football pressure and fan expectations.
Moore’s rapport with key players, including Dak Prescott, is another major asset. As the offensive coordinator, he has worked closely with Prescott throughout his development as the team’s starting quarterback. Their chemistry is undeniable, and Moore’s ability to get the best out of Prescott has been evident in the quarterback’s performance on the field. This rapport could be incredibly beneficial if Moore were to become the head coach, as it would allow for a seamless transition and continuity for the offense.
- Innovative Offensive Mind
Kellen Moore’s offensive philosophy is one of the most compelling reasons why he should be considered for the head coaching job. He has demonstrated an ability to craft dynamic, high-scoring offenses that utilize both the passing and running games effectively. Moore is known for his creativity and willingness to adapt his scheme based on the talent available to him.
Under Moore, the Cowboys’ offense has consistently been one of the top units in the league. His balanced approach has maximized the potential of players like Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper. Moore’s ability to design offensive plays that exploit mismatches and create opportunities for big plays has made the Cowboys’ offense one of the most dangerous in the NFL.
As the head coach, Moore would likely bring this same innovative mindset to the entire team, not just the offense. His ability to adjust and think outside the box could translate into success in other areas of the team, including defense and special teams. Moore’s success as an offensive coordinator indicates that he possesses the football intelligence and leadership skills necessary to lead a team at the highest level.
- Leadership and Communication Skills
While Kellen Moore may be relatively young for a head coach, he has already demonstrated impressive leadership qualities during his time as offensive coordinator. His ability to communicate effectively with players, staff, and ownership is a key part of his success. Moore’s calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to coaching have earned him the respect of his peers and players alike.
One of the hallmarks of successful head coaches is their ability to inspire and motivate their team. Moore’s experience working closely with high-profile players like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott shows that he is capable of managing big personalities and fostering a positive team culture. He knows how to make adjustments when necessary and is not afraid to take responsibility for both successes and failures.
- Player Development
Kellen Moore has also shown a talent for developing young players. As offensive coordinator, he worked closely with the Cowboys’ younger players, such as rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and second-year running back Tony Pollard. Moore’s ability to bring out the best in young talent is a testament to his coaching skills and ability to adapt his teaching style to different players.
For a team like the Cowboys, which has a mix of established veterans and emerging young stars, Moore’s player development skills would be invaluable. His focus on player growth and development could help take the team to the next level and ensure that the franchise remains competitive for years to come.
