Cowboys Roundup: Head Coaching Search Already Gone Awry, Is Kellen Moore Viable?
The Dallas Cowboys have a long and storied history in the NFL, filled with triumphs and heartbreaks alike. The team’s owner, Jerry Jones, is known for his bold decisions, larger-than-life personality, and unwavering drive to lead the Cowboys back to prominence. However, one of the more pressing matters in Dallas this offseason is the search for a new head coach after the team’s early exit from the playoffs. Despite boasting a roster filled with talent, the Cowboys’ inability to secure a Super Bowl victory in recent seasons has left many wondering about the leadership at the helm. In the wake of another disappointing postseason, Jerry Jones finds himself in a position where drastic changes might be necessary.
The search for a new head coach, however, has not gone as smoothly as many fans and analysts had hoped. From early speculation to unexpected roadblocks, the Cowboys’ pursuit of a new leader has already hit a few snags, leaving the organization with questions about both its short-term direction and long-term stability. Amid these complications, one name has emerged from the Cowboys’ own ranks: offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Is Moore a viable option for the head coaching position, or is this just a case of Jones looking internally to avoid a more dramatic change?
To better understand the current situation, let’s break down the key factors surrounding the Cowboys’ head coaching search, how Kellen Moore’s potential candidacy fits into the equation, and what these developments could mean for the team’s future.
The Pressure to Succeed: A Frustrating Pattern for the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys’ frustrating pattern of falling short in the postseason is one of the central reasons why a change in leadership is being discussed. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, the team has consistently underperformed when it matters most: in the playoffs. In 2023, the Cowboys once again made it to the playoffs, and once again, they were eliminated early—this time by the San Francisco 49ers in a game that many felt the Cowboys could have won.
Jerry Jones has been vocal about his desire to bring a championship back to Dallas, but the team’s inability to take the final step has raised questions about head coach Mike McCarthy’s effectiveness. Although McCarthy was brought in to steer the Cowboys toward consistent success after the firing of Jason Garrett, he has yet to prove himself capable of leading the team to the promised land. With McCarthy’s tenure marred by playoff disappointments, the pressure is mounting on Jones to make the right choice.
The Cowboys’ 2023 performance was filled with highs and lows. Quarterback Dak Prescott continued to show flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. The defense, led by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, was formidable for much of the year, but injuries and occasional lapses in execution exposed weaknesses. The team’s running game, while solid, lacked the kind of dynamic spark that would allow the Cowboys to control the tempo of games when needed. As the season came to a close, the frustration among the fan base and within the organization was palpable, signaling that change may be imminent.
This brings us to the Cowboys’ current dilemma: Is Mike McCarthy the right coach to lead the team to the Super Bowl, or is it time for the organization to take a different direction?
The Unfolding Head Coaching Search: Unexpected Roadblocks
In the days following the Cowboys’ playoff elimination, speculation about McCarthy’s job status began to swirl. Early reports suggested that Jerry Jones might be ready to make a change, considering the mounting pressure and the continued failure to advance past the Divisional Round of the playoffs. With so much talent on the roster, fans and analysts began to question whether McCarthy was the coach to take the team to the next level. Despite McCarthy’s tenure featuring several successful seasons, the playoff losses had left a sour taste in the mouths of many, including Jones himself.
However, as the head coaching search began to take shape, things quickly became more complicated. Several high-profile names were linked to the position, with rumors circulating about interest in coaches like Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh, and even the possibility of a return to the NFL for former Cowboys coach Bill Cowher. While these names certainly generated buzz, the Cowboys’ head coaching search quickly hit some unexpected snags.
First, the Cowboys’ interest in Sean Payton was well-publicized, but there were immediate concerns about the logistics of bringing the former New Orleans Saints head coach to Dallas. Payton had a history of success in the NFL, and his pedigree as a Super Bowl-winning coach made him an attractive candidate. However, Payton’s potential availability was complicated by the fact that he was under contract with the Saints, and the Cowboys would have to trade for his rights. That immediately put a halt to any serious discussions, as Jerry Jones and the Saints would need to come to terms on a compensation package. With Payton’s asking price potentially being astronomical, Jones quickly realized that bringing Payton to Dallas was far from a simple transaction.
Meanwhile, the interest in Jim Harbaugh, the Michigan Wolverines head coach, also fizzled out quickly. Harbaugh has enjoyed success at the collegiate level, but his previous stint as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers ended in a somewhat bitter divorce. While his name was mentioned in connection with the Cowboys, Harbaugh’s desire to remain in college football—coupled with a lack of commitment from the Cowboys’ front office—led to those discussions quickly cooling off.
With the search for an outside candidate appearing to stall, Jones turned to an internal solution. This is where Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ current offensive coordinator, comes into play.
Kellen Moore: A Viable Candidate or an In-House Continuation?
Kellen Moore has been the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys since 2019, and during his time in that role, he has overseen the development of one of the league’s most potent offenses. Under Moore’s watch, the Cowboys’ offense has been consistently among the top in the NFL in terms of yardage and scoring. His work with Dak Prescott has been especially impressive, as he has helped elevate Prescott’s play and turn him into one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
However, the question of whether Moore is a viable candidate for the head coaching position is a complicated one. On one hand, Moore has proven that he can be successful as an offensive coordinator, working with high-level talent and crafting schemes that maximize the team’s potential. His work with Prescott, as well as his ability to adapt the offense to different players and circumstances, has earned him praise.
On the other hand, becoming a head coach is a significant step, and it’s unclear whether Moore has the leadership qualities and experience necessary to succeed in the role. Head coaches are responsible for managing all aspects of a team, including game strategy, player development, and team culture. Moore, while undoubtedly talented as a coordinator, has yet to prove himself in the broader leadership capacity required to oversee an entire team.
One of the key challenges that Moore would face as head coach is balancing the various personalities and egos that come with a high-profile NFL team like the Cowboys. As a relatively young coach who has not yet been in charge of an entire team, Moore would need to quickly earn the respect of not only his players but also the coaching staff and the front office. Additionally, he would have to make tough decisions about player roles, roster management, and handling the media spotlight that comes with being the Cowboys’ head coach.
That being said, Moore’s familiarity with the team and its systems could be an advantage. He has worked closely with the Cowboys’ offense for several years, and he understands the strengths and weaknesses of the roster. He has also been a key part of the coaching staff under McCarthy, so he has experience in a high-pressure environment. If Jones is looking for continuity rather than a complete overhaul, Moore may represent the safest option.
What Does This Mean for the Cowboys’ Future?
The fact that the Cowboys’ head coaching search has already hit snags is a reflection of the immense pressure Jerry Jones is under to make the right decision. The team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and there is no question that they are capable of competing for a Super Bowl in the near future. However, the leadership at the top has been a point of contention, with McCarthy’s future in question and the Cowboys still lacking that elusive championship.
If Jones ultimately decides to promote Kellen Moore to head coach, it would signal a commitment to continuity and stability. Moore’s familiarity with the team’s roster and systems could give the Cowboys the best chance of keeping their offense at a high level while trying to address other areas of the team that need improvement. However, this move would also come with significant risks. The Cowboys would be betting on Moore’s unproven leadership ability at the highest level, and the pressure on him would be immense from day one.
On the other hand, if Jones opts for an external hire, it would indicate a willingness to take a risk and potentially shake up the entire structure of the team. A new head coach would bring fresh ideas, new strategies, and potentially a more dynamic approach to managing the Cowboys. However, the Cowboys have been burned before by high-profile coaching hires, and Jones may be wary of repeating past mistakes.
Conclusion: What’s Next for the Cowboys?
As the Cowboys’ head coaching search continues, it remains to be seen whether Kellen Moore will emerge as the top choice. While his familiarity with the team and offensive success make him a logical candidate, the challenge of stepping into the head coaching role is immense. Jerry Jones has a tough decision ahead of him, and whichever direction he chooses, the eyes of the NFL world will be on him. The future of the Cowboys’ coaching staff could be the determining factor in whether the team finally breaks through and secures a long-awaited Super Bowl championship or whether they continue to fall short of their lofty expectations.
