Cowboys Fans Launch Online Campaign Against Kellen Moore’s Potential Hiring as Head Coach
In the wake of Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy’s uncertain future and rumors swirling about the possibility of former backup quarterback Kellen Moore being hired as the new head coach, an organized and passionate campaign has emerged from Cowboys fans. With hundreds of social media posts, petitions, and forum discussions, many fans are vocalizing their strong opposition to Moore being elevated to the position. Despite his popularity as the team’s offensive coordinator, this new movement is grounded in concerns about Moore’s inexperience and his record as the team’s play-caller. As the Cowboys’ 2024-2025 season draws to a close, and speculation about McCarthy’s job security intensifies, these fans have taken it upon themselves to launch a formal effort to prevent Moore from becoming the next head coach.
The Rise of Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2012 as an undrafted free agent quarterback, and though his playing career was brief, he quickly earned respect as a backup to Tony Romo and later Dak Prescott. In 2018, Moore’s career took a significant turn when he was named the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator at the age of 30. This decision was based on Moore’s deep understanding of the game, his familiarity with the team, and his potential to bring a fresh perspective to the Cowboys’ offense.
Over the next few years, Moore’s offensive schemes showed early promise. The Cowboys’ offense was often explosive under his direction, thanks to quarterback Dak Prescott’s development and the emergence of talented skill position players like Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, and CeeDee Lamb. During the 2021 season, the Cowboys had one of the NFL’s highest-scoring offenses, and Moore was lauded for his innovative approach. However, despite the statistical success, the team struggled in critical postseason games, and the lack of playoff wins under Moore’s offense started to generate some skepticism.
In 2022, Moore left the Cowboys after disagreements with McCarthy and management over offensive philosophy. He joined the Los Angeles Chargers as their offensive coordinator, where he continued to garner attention for his aggressive offensive style. Now, with the possibility of McCarthy’s job being in jeopardy following yet another disappointing playoff exit, Moore’s name has resurfaced in the conversation for the next Cowboys head coach.
Fans’ Concerns: Inexperience and Lack of Proven Success
The most common argument against Kellen Moore as the next head coach of the Cowboys is his relative lack of head coaching experience. While Moore has a successful background as an offensive coordinator, many critics argue that he lacks the leadership skills and experience needed to lead an entire franchise. A head coach in the NFL must oversee every aspect of a team, from game planning to player development to managing egos in the locker room. This multifaceted responsibility requires a level of maturity and experience that Moore has not yet demonstrated in his career.
Furthermore, some fans question whether Moore’s success as an offensive coordinator translates to the responsibilities of a head coach. While the Cowboys’ offense performed well during his tenure, the team’s overall record and ability to succeed in the playoffs were far from satisfactory. Despite several high-scoring seasons, the Cowboys often underperformed in critical moments, leading some fans to conclude that Moore’s approach, while innovative, might not be the answer for the team’s long-term success.
“Kellen Moore’s time as an offensive coordinator has been fine, but we need someone with more experience to guide this team,” said one passionate fan on a Cowboys-focused message board. “The head coach has to be a leader on both sides of the ball, not just someone who knows how to call plays. Moore hasn’t proven he can do that yet.”
Moreover, some critics argue that Moore’s offensive system may be too reliant on the quarterback position and individual talent, rather than a balanced team strategy. The Cowboys, with their franchise quarterback in Prescott and a talented receiving corps, seemed to thrive under Moore, but questions arose about whether Moore’s offense could adapt to different types of teams or quarterback situations. In other words, could he build a winning culture that transcends the scheme?
Leadership and Game Management Issues
Another frequent point of contention is Moore’s ability to handle in-game decisions and adapt to adversity. The job of an NFL head coach requires rapid decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations like critical game moments and tight playoff matchups. During Moore’s time as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, several instances raised concerns about his ability to make the right adjustments under pressure.
In key games, Moore’s offenses often seemed to stall when the game plan wasn’t working, or when faced with significant adversity. Playcalling could become predictable, and the inability to make changes on the fly sometimes led to disappointing results. Some fans are wary of Moore’s ability to make real-time decisions as a head coach, especially when the game is on the line and he must balance offense, defense, and special teams in the most critical moments.
“In big moments, he failed to show the adaptability needed to get the job done,” said another fan. “Being a head coach is about more than just drawing up plays. It’s about being calm, making adjustments, and keeping the team focused. We didn’t see that from Moore.”
The Voice of Experience: Former Players Weigh In
As part of the growing conversation, former Cowboys players have weighed in on the debate, some offering support for Moore’s coaching abilities, while others remain skeptical. Some of Moore’s former teammates, who have worked with him both as a player and as a coach, acknowledge his football intelligence and drive, but caution that the jump from offensive coordinator to head coach is a significant one. They stress the importance of a well-rounded individual who can lead all aspects of a team, not just a high-powered offense.
One former player noted, “Kellen was always smart, but head coaching requires a different kind of leadership. The pressure is much higher, and you need to be able to manage the entire team, not just one side of the ball.”
The general consensus among those critical of Moore’s potential hiring is that while he may be a fantastic offensive mind, it remains unclear whether he possesses the breadth of experience needed to manage the intricacies of leading an entire NFL franchise.
A Divided Fanbase
Despite the mounting opposition to Moore’s candidacy, there are still many Cowboys fans who believe he deserves a shot. Supporters argue that Moore’s youth and knowledge of the team could bring a fresh perspective, one that could help turn the Cowboys into perennial contenders. They point to his early success in Dallas, his understanding of modern offenses, and his time with the Chargers as evidence that he could be the right person to take the team to the next level.
However, the overwhelming sentiment from anti-Moore campaigners is that the Cowboys need an experienced leader who can build a balanced, cohesive team that can win championships. After years of disappointment in the postseason, many believe that the franchise needs to make a more calculated decision to find a coach with a proven track record of success at the highest levels.
The Future of the Cowboys
As the Cowboys’ front office continues to evaluate its options, the online campaign against Kellen Moore’s potential hiring is growing louder. Whether or not this effort will influence Jerry Jones or other decision-makers remains to be seen. With several high-profile candidates available for the job—ranging from veteran coaches to current coordinators—Cowboys fans are hoping that the franchise will carefully weigh all its options before making such a monumental decision.
For now, the campaign against Kellen Moore’s potential hiring is a reflection of the deep-seated desire for a winner in Dallas. Cowboys fans have high expectations for their team, and they are not willing to settle for anything less than the best. Whether those expectations are realistic or not remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of the Cowboys is a subject of intense scrutiny, and it’s a future that many fans want to help shape.