Unexpected Details on Kellen Moore’s Rejection for the Head Coaching Job with the Dallas Cowboys
Kellen Moore, once a promising quarterback in the NFL and later an up-and-coming offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, was widely considered a favorite to take over as head coach of the Cowboys after Jason Garrett’s tenure ended. Moore’s trajectory as a coach seemed to be on a direct path to a head coaching opportunity in the near future. However, in a shocking turn of events, Moore was passed over for the coveted position. His rejection raised eyebrows across the league and led many to speculate on the unexpected details behind why Moore was not selected to lead the team.
Kellen Moore’s Journey to the Cowboys
Before diving into the reasons behind Moore’s rejection, it is essential to understand his background and the path that led him to be a candidate for the Cowboys’ head coaching position in the first place.
Kellen Moore entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent quarterback with the Detroit Lions. Although he never became a starting quarterback in the league, Moore’s keen football intelligence and leadership qualities were immediately noticeable. After spending a few years with the Lions, Moore joined the Cowboys in 2015 as a backup quarterback, where he remained until his retirement in 2017.
Following his playing career, Moore quickly transitioned into coaching. In 2018, he was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, a role he held until 2023. Under Moore’s leadership, the Cowboys’ offense saw consistent improvements in several key areas, including passing efficiency and the development of quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys’ offense, which had been somewhat stagnant in the years prior, showed signs of rejuvenation with Moore at the helm. The unit was known for its explosive plays, particularly through the air, with Prescott flourishing in Moore’s system.
By the time Garrett’s tenure came to an end, Moore was a prime candidate to be promoted to the head coach position. His youth, offensive-minded philosophy, and familiarity with the Cowboys’ organization made him an ideal successor to Garrett, who had struggled to bring the team to the promised land of the Super Bowl.
The Surprise Rejection
Despite Moore’s impressive resume and potential, the Cowboys ultimately chose not to hire him as head coach. Instead, they hired former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, who was a well-established veteran with a Super Bowl championship on his resume. The decision to hire McCarthy over Moore was both surprising and controversial, considering the positive momentum the team had under Moore’s offensive leadership.
While Moore’s rejection didn’t immediately signal the end of his coaching career, it marked a crossroads in his trajectory. The details behind the Cowboys’ decision to reject Moore were not entirely clear at first, but the unfolding revelations offer a deeper understanding of the situation.
Lack of Leadership Experience
One of the most significant factors that may have played a role in Moore’s rejection was his relative lack of leadership experience. Although Moore had excelled as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, his time as a coach was still relatively short compared to other candidates. At the time of his rejection, Moore had only been a coordinator for a few seasons, and while his offensive strategies were successful, there were concerns about his ability to lead a team as a head coach.
The head coaching position requires more than just an understanding of X’s and O’s. It demands a level of emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to manage players and coaches alike. Moore’s inexperience in these areas may have been a concern for Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager. Jones is known for his hands-on approach to the team, and while he had developed a strong rapport with Moore, the weight of the head coach position likely required more than Moore had demonstrated up until that point.
This lack of experience in a leadership capacity could have led Jones to prefer a more seasoned coach like Mike McCarthy, who had proven his ability to manage a team, win championships, and deal with the pressures of being a head coach. McCarthy’s experience with the Green Bay Packers, including leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 2010, made him an attractive option to Jones, who was looking for a head coach who could bring immediate stability and success.
The Cowboys’ Identity and Culture
Another unexpected detail that contributed to Moore’s rejection was the team’s culture and identity. The Cowboys, with their storied history and high expectations, are a franchise with a unique culture. Under Garrett, the team had developed a strong sense of continuity, but there was a sense that the team lacked a true identity that could lead them to sustained success. This lack of identity often stems from the top—specifically from the head coach.
Jerry Jones, while admiring Moore’s offensive innovation, might have felt that Moore was too closely associated with Garrett’s era, and he wanted a change in leadership style to shift the team’s culture. McCarthy, with his experience and reputation as a disciplinarian, offered a stark contrast to Garrett’s laid-back approach. While McCarthy’s leadership style might have been more demanding, it was clear that Jones believed McCarthy would be better equipped to shape the team’s identity and culture moving forward.
In particular, McCarthy’s approach to coaching had a heavier emphasis on accountability and a more structured environment. Many in the Cowboys’ organization believed that this new direction could help the team get over the hump and achieve the success that had eluded them in recent years. McCarthy’s experience dealing with elite-level talent, particularly with quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, also made him a strong candidate to help Prescott continue his development and elevate the team’s overall performance.
Questions About Offensive Philosophy
Although Moore’s offensive prowess was undeniable, there were concerns within the Cowboys organization about his offensive philosophy. Moore’s approach leaned heavily on the passing game, often to the detriment of the running game. The Cowboys have long been a team that values a strong running game, and Moore’s reliance on passing may not have meshed well with the overall philosophy of the team.
Under Garrett, the Cowboys were often criticized for their inability to establish a consistent run game, especially when it was needed in critical moments. While Moore’s offense was high-powered, it did not always result in balanced playcalling. The team’s inability to consistently control the line of scrimmage with a dominant running game was a point of concern for Jones and other decision-makers.
In contrast, McCarthy was seen as someone who could bring balance to the offense. Known for his ability to design schemes that utilize both the passing and running game, McCarthy’s philosophy was more in line with the Cowboys’ traditional approach. McCarthy’s hiring signaled a commitment to finding the right balance between passing and rushing, which may have made him a better fit for the team’s long-term success.
Concerns Over Playoff Performance
Another important factor in Moore’s rejection was the Cowboys’ struggles in the postseason during his tenure as offensive coordinator. While Moore’s offense was effective in the regular season, the team’s performance in the playoffs under his leadership left much to be desired.
In particular, the Cowboys’ inability to execute in key playoff moments was a significant red flag. Moore’s offense struggled to make adjustments in high-pressure situations, and the team often faltered in the face of strong competition. The Cowboys had a high-powered offense but lacked the necessary poise and adjustments that are critical in playoff games.
Jerry Jones, who has made it clear that winning Super Bowls is the ultimate goal for the franchise, may have felt that Moore’s offensive approach was not enough to overcome the team’s postseason shortcomings. McCarthy, with his Super Bowl experience and ability to coach in high-pressure situations, likely provided the Cowboys with a greater sense of security in that regard.
A Shifting NFL Landscape
Finally, the changing landscape of the NFL may have played a role in Moore’s rejection. The NFL has seen a shift toward more offensive-minded head coaches, particularly those who are innovative and able to develop young quarterbacks. Moore, with his background as a former quarterback and offensive coordinator, would fit the mold of the modern-day head coach. However, in an era where teams are looking for more than just offensive success, Moore’s lack of experience in building a complete team and handling all aspects of the job may have been a deciding factor.
Teams are increasingly seeking head coaches who can handle the complexities of the modern NFL, including player management, defense, special teams, and the overall culture of the team. While Moore’s offense was dynamic, it wasn’t enough to overshadow the need for a more well-rounded leader.
Conclusion
Kellen Moore’s rejection as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys was a surprising turn of events, given his success as offensive coordinator and the anticipation surrounding his promotion. While Moore’s offensive prowess was widely recognized, several unexpected factors contributed to his rejection. His relative lack of leadership experience, the Cowboys’ desire for a change in culture, concerns over his offensive philosophy, struggles in the postseason, and the shifting NFL landscape all played a role in Jerry Jones’ decision to hire Mike McCarthy instead.
Despite the setback, Moore’s future in the NFL remains bright. He has continued to attract interest from other teams, and his next opportunity could very well come sooner rather than later. While Moore may not have gotten the Cowboys’ head coaching job, his time in Dallas has undoubtedly prepared him for future opportunities, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets another shot at becoming a head coach in the NFL.