Unexpected Information Reveals Why Kellen Moore, a Top Candidate, Was Passed Over for the Cowboys Head Coaching Position
When a head coaching vacancy arises in the NFL, the coaching search often becomes a subject of intense scrutiny, especially when a candidate is considered a frontrunner. This was the case with Kellen Moore, the former offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, who many believed would be the natural successor to Mike McCarthy, especially given his youth, innovative offensive mind, and his connection to the team. However, despite his strong resume, Moore was passed over in favor of other candidates, including McCarthy’s eventual successor.
This article delves deep into the unexpected information and underlying reasons behind Moore’s surprising exclusion from the list of viable head coach candidates for the Cowboys, and what it means for both Moore’s future and the franchise’s trajectory.
Kellen Moore’s Rise: A Star in the Making
Kellen Moore, a former NFL quarterback turned offensive coordinator, quickly gained recognition for his success with the Cowboys’ offense. After being hired as the offensive coordinator in 2019, Moore transformed Dallas into one of the most potent offenses in the league. Under his leadership, the Cowboys’ offense ranked among the top 10 in the NFL, showcasing a balanced and high-scoring attack.
His work with quarterback Dak Prescott was particularly noteworthy. Moore not only helped Prescott develop into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks but also worked to adapt the offense around Prescott’s strengths. The Cowboys offense was often lauded for its creativity, versatility, and its ability to execute at a high level, particularly in key moments.
Many within the organization believed that Moore’s familiarity with the team, as well as his ability to manage the offense effectively, would make him a logical candidate when the Cowboys head coaching job came open. After all, he had already demonstrated leadership and strategic acumen as the offensive coordinator.
The Case for Kellen Moore as a Head Coach
Kellen Moore seemed to check all the boxes for a head coach. As a young and dynamic coordinator, he was seen as someone who could invigorate the Cowboys’ organization with fresh ideas and modern offensive schemes. Moore’s success with the offense was particularly evident in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, where the Cowboys posted impressive offensive numbers.
His ability to call plays, adjust schemes on the fly, and foster a strong relationship with his players helped build his reputation as one of the top young coordinators in the league. In interviews and media appearances, Moore had proven that he could handle pressure and communicate effectively, two essential qualities for any head coach.
Moreover, his tenure under Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy gave him a strong foundation in the culture of the Cowboys organization. Moore’s ability to relate to players, particularly quarterbacks, also made him an attractive option for an organization known for its quarterback-driven offense.
In the eyes of many, Kellen Moore seemed like a natural fit for the head coach position — an up-and-coming star who was already part of the team’s fabric. His potential to lead the Cowboys into a new era with a potent offense and a forward-thinking mindset was widely recognized. Yet, despite all these strengths, Moore did not get the promotion many anticipated.
The Unexpected Turn: Why Kellen Moore Was Passed Over
So, what went wrong? Why did Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator who had helped lead the Cowboys to significant success, not get the head coaching job? The reasons behind this decision are multi-faceted, and a closer examination reveals several factors that may have influenced the Cowboys’ decision-making process.
1. The Cowboys’ Desire for a Defensive-Minded Leader
While Kellen Moore’s offensive acumen was unquestionable, the Dallas Cowboys’ front office, led by owner Jerry Jones, may have prioritized a more well-rounded leadership style for the team’s next head coach. There was a growing realization that the Cowboys’ defense needed to catch up with their explosive offense. Despite Moore’s offensive success, the team’s inability to perform consistently in the postseason and their lack of defensive dominance were growing concerns for the organization.
In the NFL, teams with a strong defense often enjoy sustained success, particularly in the postseason, where the game slows down, and defense becomes a more significant factor. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys brass may have felt that Moore, with his offensive background, would be too one-dimensional in a role that required more oversight on the defensive side of the ball.
As a result, the Cowboys turned to candidates with strong defensive backgrounds or experience, ultimately settling on Mike McCarthy, who had the experience of leading the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title and had a better understanding of managing both sides of the ball. McCarthy’s well-rounded experience and leadership style were seen as a safer choice for a team that had the offensive firepower but lacked the balance necessary to contend for championships.
2. Unresolved Issues with Playcalling and Decision-Making
One of the most surprising factors in Moore’s exclusion from head coaching candidacy was his decision-making in crucial moments during games. Despite Dallas’ offensive success under Moore, there were several instances throughout his tenure where his playcalling in high-pressure situations was called into question.
In particular, Moore was criticized for his handling of the offense in playoff games. In the 2022 NFC Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys’ offense struggled to execute in key moments, with some of Moore’s play calls being described as conservative and ineffective. There were also times when Moore appeared to be overly reliant on the passing game, neglecting the team’s strong running game and not adjusting quickly enough when things weren’t working.
In a league where coaching is often decided by the ability to execute in the clutch, Moore’s inconsistencies in these high-pressure moments may have raised doubts in the minds of Cowboys executives. As a result, the front office might have seen him as less prepared for the leadership responsibilities of a head coach, where game management, decision-making, and the ability to adjust on the fly are critical.
3. Friction with Mike McCarthy
While it was largely unspoken, there was also speculation that the dynamic between Moore and head coach Mike McCarthy played a role in the decision-making process. Throughout his time in Dallas, Moore was often seen as McCarthy’s “successor in waiting,” but there were subtle signs of tension between the two men.
McCarthy, who took over the Cowboys after Garrett’s departure, had a well-established offensive philosophy that sometimes clashed with Moore’s more innovative and modern approach. Although McCarthy allowed Moore to run the offense largely as he saw fit, there were moments when their coaching styles didn’t align. Some observers noted that McCarthy, known for his involvement in the play-calling process during his time in Green Bay, may have had reservations about Moore’s tendency to take bold risks on offense, especially when McCarthy himself had a more conservative approach to managing games.
In an NFL environment where strong personalities and coaching egos often collide, it’s possible that this friction led to McCarthy pushing for a different approach to leadership. The Cowboys organization, eager to ensure cohesion within the coaching staff, may have decided that bringing in an external candidate — or promoting McCarthy himself — would result in a more harmonious working relationship.
4. The Cowboys’ Continued Focus on Championship Contention
Finally, it’s important to understand the Cowboys’ overarching goal: to win a Super Bowl. The team’s continued postseason failures — especially their inability to get past the divisional round in recent years — have raised concerns that their window for championship contention might be closing.
Jerry Jones and the front office have made it clear that they are focused on maximizing the Cowboys’ talent and returning to the Super Bowl. While Moore’s offensive prowess was highly regarded, there were concerns that his lack of experience as a head coach could hinder the team’s championship aspirations. In a critical year where every move counts, the Cowboys may have felt that a more experienced head coach with a well-rounded understanding of the game — especially defensively — would give them the best chance to reach the ultimate goal.
What’s Next for Kellen Moore?
While being passed over for the Cowboys head coaching position was undoubtedly a setback for Kellen Moore, it is unlikely to derail his career. As one of the brightest young offensive minds in the NFL, Moore will undoubtedly find another opportunity, whether as an offensive coordinator or a future head coach elsewhere.
His success with the Cowboys will continue to make him a sought-after coaching candidate. Moore will need to continue developing his leadership skills, refine his game management strategies, and prove that he can lead a team through high-pressure situations. Given his pedigree and reputation, it is only a matter of time before Moore gets another shot at a head coaching role — whether with the Cowboys or another team in need of a young, innovative leader.
For now, Moore’s future remains bright, and despite the surprising decision by the Cowboys, his potential is still undeniable. As for Dallas, the decision to pass over Moore in favor of McCarthy and other candidates will ultimately be judged by the team’s performance in the coming years. Only time will tell whether the Cowboys made the right decision in choosing their next head coach.