Kellen Moore Viewed as Strong Candidate for Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Job
In the competitive world of the National Football League, head coaching positions are often the most coveted and scrutinized roles within any franchise. For the Dallas Cowboys, a team that is perennially under the spotlight due to its storied history, massive fanbase, and ownership under Jerry Jones, the search for the next head coach is always a topic of intense discussion. The Cowboys have enjoyed regular success, but despite multiple playoff appearances, they have yet to secure a Super Bowl victory since the mid-1990s. This ongoing quest for a championship has led many to wonder whether a coaching change might be in order to bring the team to the next level. As the Cowboys move forward into the 2025 season and beyond, one name consistently emerging as a strong candidate for the head coach position is Kellen Moore.
Moore, who is currently the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, has long been viewed as one of the most promising young minds in the NFL. His trajectory from being a backup quarterback in the NFL to one of the top offensive minds in the game has been rapid and impressive. Known for his innovative play calling and ability to adapt his system to the strengths of his players, Moore’s future seems bright. However, as he gains more experience and exposure, the question on many people’s minds is whether he will return to the Dallas Cowboys, where he served as offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, as their next head coach.
This article explores why Kellen Moore is viewed as a strong candidate for the Dallas Cowboys head coach job, what makes him an attractive option for Jerry Jones, and the challenges he may face as he potentially steps into one of the most high-pressure roles in the NFL.
Kellen Moore’s Background and Rise to Prominence
To understand why Kellen Moore is considered a potential head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, it’s important to first examine his background and rise through the ranks of football. Moore’s journey is a testament to his work ethic, intelligence, and deep understanding of the game.
From Quarterback to Coach
Moore was a standout quarterback at Boise State University, where he set numerous records and became known for his ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute plays with precision. His college career was marked by success, including an impressive career record of 50-3 as a starter. Despite his college success, Moore went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, though he was quickly signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions. His professional career never reached the level of stardom he enjoyed in college, but Moore’s intelligence and ability to process the game were evident.
After spending several seasons as a backup quarterback in the NFL, Moore made the transition from player to coach in 2018, joining the Dallas Cowboys as their quarterbacks coach under head coach Jason Garrett. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with his understanding of quarterback play, quickly made him a valuable asset on the Cowboys’ coaching staff.
Offensive Coordinator with the Cowboys
In 2019, Kellen Moore was promoted to the role of offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. This was a pivotal moment in Moore’s career. The team was coming off a season in which they had a potent offense led by quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and a receiving corps that included Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. Moore was tasked with further developing the offense and taking it to new heights.
In his first year as offensive coordinator, Moore quickly made a name for himself with his innovative, high-powered offense that embraced a more modern approach to the game. His ability to adapt and tailor the offense to the strengths of the team allowed the Cowboys to become one of the most dynamic units in the league. In 2019, the Cowboys ranked 1st in total yards and 6th in scoring, with Prescott having a career year.
However, despite the impressive offensive output, Moore faced some criticism in the following seasons. While the offense remained productive, the team was inconsistent, and the Cowboys struggled to perform in high-pressure situations, especially in the playoffs. After the 2022 season, Moore parted ways with the Cowboys and became the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. His time with the Cowboys was marked by both successes and disappointments, and the decision to part ways was, in part, due to the team’s struggles to break through in the postseason.
Why Kellen Moore Is Viewed as a Strong Candidate for the Head Coaching Job
Despite his mixed tenure with the Cowboys, Kellen Moore is still viewed as a strong candidate to become the next head coach of the franchise. Several factors make Moore an intriguing possibility for Jerry Jones as he looks for a coach to lead the Cowboys to their long-awaited Super Bowl title.
1. Offensive Expertise and Adaptability
One of Moore’s standout qualities is his deep understanding of offensive football. As the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and later the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore has consistently demonstrated the ability to design creative, high-scoring offenses. His ability to adapt his schemes to fit the talents of his players is a key attribute that could benefit the Cowboys in their pursuit of a championship.
In 2023, as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore continued to demonstrate his offensive acumen, improving the team’s offensive performance while working with quarterback Justin Herbert, one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the NFL. Moore’s schemes helped unlock the potential of the Chargers’ offense, and under his guidance, Herbert continued to develop as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
This adaptability is a crucial trait for any head coach, and Moore’s ability to maximize the potential of his players is something that would certainly appeal to Jerry Jones. The Cowboys have talented players, particularly on offense, and Moore’s background in building successful, dynamic offenses could make him an ideal candidate to take the team to the next level.
2. Experience with Dak Prescott
Another factor that makes Moore a strong candidate is his previous relationship with Dak Prescott. Prescott has had several successful seasons under Moore’s offensive schemes, and their rapport is one of the main reasons why Moore is highly regarded within the Cowboys’ fanbase. Prescott has been a key piece of the Cowboys’ offense for several years, and his continued development under Moore’s guidance was evident.
With Prescott still at the helm of the Cowboys’ offense, having a head coach who knows how to maximize his strengths is a significant advantage. Moore’s familiarity with Prescott and his ability to get the most out of him as a quarterback could be a deciding factor in making Moore the next head coach of the Cowboys. Given the high stakes of leading an NFL franchise, particularly the Cowboys, the stability of an established quarterback-coach relationship would help ensure a smoother transition and give the team an advantage in an already competitive NFC.
3. Youth and Fresh Perspective
At 35 years old, Kellen Moore represents a younger generation of coaches who bring a fresh perspective to the game. While NFL coaching staffs have long been dominated by older, more experienced coaches, the success of younger coaches like Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams and Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers has proven that there is room for fresh ideas and innovative approaches in the league.
Moore’s age and innovative thinking would inject new energy into the Cowboys, a team that has long been searching for a coach who can break through the postseason barrier. His approach to offensive football, which emphasizes pace, creativity, and adaptability, could be the breath of fresh air that the Cowboys need to reach their full potential.
4. Familiarity with the Dallas Cowboys Organization
Another key factor that could play in Moore’s favor is his familiarity with the Cowboys organization. Having spent four years as the team’s offensive coordinator, Moore is well-acquainted with the inner workings of the franchise. He knows the team’s strengths and weaknesses, the expectations of ownership, and the dynamics of the front office and coaching staff.
This familiarity could help Moore hit the ground running if he were to become the head coach of the Cowboys. He wouldn’t need a lengthy adjustment period to understand the roster, the coaching staff, or the front-office dynamics. Moore already has relationships with key players and staff members, which would allow him to step in and immediately begin implementing his vision for the team.
5. Potential to Build a Winning Culture
One of the most important qualities any head coach must possess is the ability to establish and maintain a winning culture. Kellen Moore has demonstrated leadership capabilities both on and off the field during his time with the Cowboys and his tenure with the Chargers. While his coaching career is still young, Moore has consistently displayed a knack for motivating players and fostering a competitive environment.
A winning culture is crucial for a team like the Cowboys, who have often been hampered by inconsistency and underperformance in the postseason. Moore’s ability to bring stability and build a championship-caliber culture could be what the Cowboys need to push them to the next level.
Challenges Moore Could Face as Cowboys Head Coach
Despite the many positives, there are several challenges Moore would face as the head coach of the Cowboys. The pressure to win a Super Bowl in Dallas is immense, and the team has a history of disappointing playoff exits that has only added to the expectations. Moore would need to prove that he can succeed in the high-pressure environment of Dallas and take the Cowboys to the promised land.
Moreover, Moore’s relative lack of head coaching experience in the NFL could be a concern for some. While he has excelled as an offensive coordinator, stepping into the role of head coach requires a broader skill set, including managing the entire team, making tough decisions, and handling media scrutiny.
Conclusion
The idea of Kellen Moore becoming the Dallas Cowboys head coach is an intriguing one. His offensive expertise, relationship with Dak Prescott, and ability to build a dynamic offense make him a strong candidate to take over the reins of America’s Team. Though he still faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of gaining head coaching experience and handling the immense pressure that comes with coaching the Cowboys, Moore’s youth, fresh ideas, and familiarity with the organization position him as one of the most promising candidates for the job.
As Jerry Jones continues his quest to find the right coach to lead the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl, Kellen Moore should remain firmly in the conversation. His potential to revitalize the franchise and finally bring the Cowboys back to the top of the NFL is too great to ignore.
