Cowboy Roundup: Is Kellen Moore a feasible option if the head coaching search has already gone awry?

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied and high-profile franchises in the NFL, have long been on a quest to return to the pinnacle of the league. Under the leadership of head coach Mike McCarthy, the team has experienced varying levels of success, but they have consistently fallen short of the ultimate goal — an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl victory. After yet another early playoff exit in 2024, speculation surrounding McCarthy’s future and the future of the Cowboys’ coaching staff has intensified.

In the midst of these discussions, the name Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ former offensive coordinator and current offensive mastermind with the Los Angeles Chargers, has once again emerged as a potential candidate for the head coaching position. Moore, who was once viewed as the heir apparent to the Cowboys’ head coach position, could provide the spark that the team needs to elevate their offense to championship contention. But with the Cowboys’ head coaching search facing uncertainty and the looming question of whether they can make the right hire, is Kellen Moore truly a feasible option?

This article will delve into whether Moore is the right choice for the Cowboys, examining his tenure with Dallas, his work with the Chargers, and the broader context of the team’s coaching search. We’ll also look at the challenges and potential benefits of bringing Moore back to the team, should McCarthy’s departure be imminent, and how Moore’s coaching style and approach could align with the Cowboys’ needs moving forward.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Recent Struggles

The Dallas Cowboys are consistently one of the most talented teams in the NFL. With star players like quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Tony Pollard, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and a defense led by linebacker Micah Parsons, the Cowboys have the pieces necessary to contend for a Super Bowl title. However, despite boasting one of the league’s top rosters year after year, they have failed to get over the hump in the postseason.

Under Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys have consistently been one of the more successful regular-season teams in the NFC, often securing a playoff berth. However, McCarthy’s inability to lead the team to a deep postseason run has caused many to question his effectiveness. In both 2023 and 2024, the Cowboys experienced early playoff exits, with a loss in the divisional round in 2023 and a heartbreaking defeat in the wild card round in 2024.

The Cowboys’ offense, under McCarthy and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, had shown signs of potential, but it ultimately failed to reach the level of consistency required for postseason success. Despite having a top-tier quarterback in Prescott and an impressive collection of skill players, the offense often stalled in big moments. McCarthy’s play-calling at times has been criticized for being conservative and unimaginative, which led many to speculate that the team might need a change at the top in order to take the next step toward a championship.

As the 2024 season concluded, the Cowboys’ ownership and fanbase found themselves wondering if a change in leadership was needed to capitalize on the team’s window of opportunity. Mike McCarthy’s seat is heating up, and his future with the team has become increasingly uncertain, making the Cowboys’ head coaching search one of the most closely watched storylines in the league.

Kellen Moore’s Time with the Cowboys

Before becoming the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, Kellen Moore spent four seasons as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, from 2019 to 2022. During that time, Moore’s offense consistently ranked among the league’s best in terms of yardage and points. His innovative approach to play-calling, which often mixed a balanced attack with creative passing schemes, helped Dallas become one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.

Under Moore’s tutelage, Dak Prescott had some of his best seasons, including a career year in 2021 when he threw for over 4,400 yards and 37 touchdowns. Moore helped maximize Prescott’s strengths, implementing a fast-paced offense with an emphasis on spreading the ball around to multiple playmakers. Wide receivers Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup thrived under Moore’s system, and running backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard flourished as part of a multifaceted attack.

However, while Moore’s offense was statistically productive, it often struggled in key moments, particularly in the postseason. In the 2021 NFC Wild Card round, the Cowboys were eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers in a game where the offense sputtered in the second half. Moore’s inability to adjust to the defense’s changes and his tendency to get too conservative in crucial moments became a talking point. While the offense put up impressive numbers during the regular season, it was ultimately unable to produce when it mattered most.

In 2022, Moore’s offense continued to show signs of success, but the team was once again knocked out in the divisional round of the playoffs, this time by the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. This failure in the postseason contributed to the growing perception that Moore might not be the right person to lead the offense in high-pressure situations.

In the offseason following the 2022 season, Moore was let go by the Cowboys and replaced by Mike McCarthy as the primary play-caller. Despite the success that Moore had during the regular season, his inability to adapt to postseason pressure seemed to be the catalyst for his departure. The Cowboys’ decision to part ways with Moore opened the door for a potential return, this time as the head coach of the team he once served as an offensive coordinator for.

Kellen Moore’s Success with the Los Angeles Chargers

Since leaving the Cowboys, Kellen Moore has found success with the Los Angeles Chargers as their offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the Chargers’ offense has flourished, particularly with quarterback Justin Herbert at the helm. Herbert, who has been one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks, has seen his game elevate to new heights under Moore’s direction.

In 2023, the Chargers’ offense ranked among the top 10 in total yards and points, largely due to Moore’s innovative and up-tempo system. He has embraced a pass-heavy approach, maximizing Herbert’s arm strength and deep-ball accuracy, while also incorporating elements of a balanced running game with standout running back Austin Ekeler. Moore’s offense has produced explosive plays while maintaining an efficient passing attack, and his ability to adapt the offense to Herbert’s strengths has been a key factor in the Chargers’ success.

Perhaps the most significant improvement in the Chargers’ offense under Moore has been in their ability to perform in big moments. While the team has faced some challenges in the postseason, Moore’s play-calling has been much more aggressive and creative than what we saw during his time with the Cowboys. He has shown an ability to adjust his game plan based on the opposition and to put his quarterback in the best possible position to succeed.

This success with the Chargers has reignited interest in Moore as a head coaching candidate, and his potential return to Dallas could be seen as a chance for redemption. If the Cowboys’ search for a head coach were to go awry and McCarthy were to part ways with the team, Moore’s experience in developing a young quarterback like Herbert, combined with his familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster, could make him a strong candidate for the job.

Would Kellen Moore Be a Feasible Option for the Cowboys?

If the Dallas Cowboys are in search of a new head coach, Kellen Moore would certainly be a feasible and attractive option. His history with the team, his success with the Chargers, and his offensive acumen make him a compelling candidate. However, there are several factors to consider before making a move.

First, Moore’s ability to handle the pressures of being a head coach, particularly with the expectations that come with leading the Cowboys, remains uncertain. While he has had success as an offensive coordinator, transitioning to the head coaching role would require him to oversee not just the offense but also the defense and the overall management of the team. It’s possible that Moore’s leadership style may need further development, and his inexperience in that regard could be a concern for some within the organization.

Second, the Cowboys’ ownership and front office may have reservations about bringing Moore back after his departure in 2023. While his offensive success with the Chargers is noteworthy, it’s unclear whether the Cowboys’ brass views him as the right leader for a franchise with championship aspirations. They may prefer to bring in someone with more head coaching experience, particularly someone with a proven track record in the postseason.

However, if the Cowboys’ coaching search hits a snag and they are unable to land their top target, Moore could be an excellent fallback option. His familiarity with the team’s roster, his ability to develop quarterbacks, and his proven track record as an offensive innovator could make him a highly attractive choice.