Kellen Moore is thought to be a strong contender to be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most high-profile franchises in the NFL, are no strangers to heightened expectations. With the team consistently under the media’s microscope, every move made in the front office and on the field carries immense weight. Following another disappointing postseason exit, speculation surrounding the future of the franchise’s leadership has been growing. While Mike McCarthy still holds the position of head coach, the Cowboys’ struggles in the playoffs have led many to believe a change could be on the horizon. One name that has come up repeatedly in discussions about the next head coach is Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ current offensive coordinator.

Moore, who has been with the Cowboys since 2018, has helped develop one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. His work with Dak Prescott and the development of a modern, versatile offensive scheme has drawn rave reviews from players, analysts, and even former NFL head coaches. Despite being just 35 years old, Moore has already earned recognition as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the game. His reputation as an innovative offensive coordinator has made him a potential candidate for some of the most coveted head coaching jobs in the NFL.

This article explores why Kellen Moore is seen as a strong contender for the head coaching position with the Dallas Cowboys, analyzing his strengths, potential challenges, and why he might be the right man for the job.

Kellen Moore’s Coaching Journey

Kellen Moore’s path to the NFL was unorthodox yet highly impressive. After a standout career at Boise State, where he set numerous passing records, Moore entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2012. Although Moore’s playing career was relatively short, his football intelligence, leadership abilities, and understanding of the game were immediately apparent. After three seasons in the NFL, Moore transitioned to coaching, starting as an offensive assistant with the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.

Initially hired as a quarterbacks coach, Moore’s natural ability to communicate and instruct soon became evident. His work with Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ star quarterback, allowed him to refine his skills as a playcaller. His ability to develop Prescott’s game further led to his promotion to offensive coordinator in 2019. Over the course of the next few seasons, Moore’s offenses became consistently among the most explosive in the NFL. His innovative schemes, which mix both traditional elements of the run game with a dynamic, pass-heavy approach, helped make the Cowboys one of the top teams in offensive production year after year.

In his time as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, Moore has seen the offense flourish, finishing near the top of the league in total yards and points scored multiple times. His ability to utilize playmakers like CeeDee Lamb, Tony Pollard, and Ezekiel Elliott, while maintaining flexibility and adapting to game situations, has been a key factor in the team’s success.

Why Kellen Moore is a Strong Candidate

1. Proven Success with the Offense One of the primary reasons Moore is being considered as a candidate for head coach is his consistent success in running the Cowboys’ offense. Under Moore’s direction, the Cowboys have had one of the most high-powered offensive units in the NFL, ranking among the top teams in yards per game, passing yards, and scoring. Moore’s innovative playcalling, combined with his ability to balance the run and the pass, has made the Cowboys a potent threat on offense.The Cowboys have been able to score consistently, regardless of the opposing defense. With Dak Prescott under center, Moore has helped develop an offense that is capable of controlling games through the air while also maintaining a balanced rushing attack. The team’s ability to execute in high-pressure situations has often been attributed to Moore’s preparation and his capacity to put his players in positions where they can thrive.

   The versatility of Moore’s offense, which mixes multiple formations and plays to keep opposing defenses off balance, would be a strong asset for the Cowboys if he were to become the head coach. In an era where offensive innovation is paramount to success, Moore’s ability to adapt his game plans and maximize his players’ abilities is one of the reasons why he has gained recognition as one of the brightest young minds in football.

2. Great Rapport with Dak Prescott Another key factor in Moore’s candidacy is his excellent relationship with Dak Prescott. Prescott, who is considered the face of the Cowboys’ offense, has consistently spoken highly of Moore’s coaching style and his football knowledge. Under Moore’s tutelage, Prescott has become a more refined quarterback, improving his accuracy and decision-making, particularly in key situations.The relationship between a head coach and his quarterback is one of the most critical aspects of a team’s success, and Moore’s rapport with Prescott is one of the reasons why the two have formed a successful partnership. Prescott has often credited Moore with helping him become more confident as a passer, and their shared understanding of offensive systems has allowed for quicker in-game adjustments.

   If Moore were to take over as head coach, this established bond would give him an edge in terms of offensive consistency. Prescott’s trust in Moore would likely translate into smoother operations on offense, allowing the team to stay on track even in high-pressure moments.

3. Youth and Energy In addition to his success as an offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore’s youth and energy would bring a fresh perspective to the Cowboys. At just 35 years old, Moore would become one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history, and his age is something that would resonate with younger players on the roster. In an era where younger coaches are finding success in the NFL, Moore represents a shift toward the next generation of leadership.Moore’s youthful approach could help energize a Cowboys team that, despite its talent, has failed to achieve the postseason success that many expected. His ability to connect with younger players, both on and off the field, would create a more dynamic and motivated team. Additionally, Moore’s familiarity with the league’s evolving trends, including the rise of passing offenses and mobile quarterbacks, makes him well-suited for coaching in the modern NFL.

   Furthermore, Moore’s success as a player and his rise through the coaching ranks demonstrate his competitive drive and determination. His ability to quickly learn and adapt, along with his energy, would be an asset in a high-pressure role like that of head coach for one of the most popular and visible franchises in the NFL.

4. Knowledge of the Cowboys’ System One of the more practical reasons why Moore is a strong candidate for the head coaching job is his deep familiarity with the Cowboys’ system. Having been with the team since 2018, Moore knows the ins and outs of the roster, the coaching staff, and the front office. His understanding of the Cowboys’ culture, both on and off the field, would enable him to transition into the role of head coach with minimal disruption.Moore has worked closely with team owner Jerry Jones and general manager Stephen Jones to help develop a system that prioritizes both talent acquisition and offensive execution. He is already embedded in the organization, which would allow for a smoother transition if he were to be promoted. This familiarity also means that Moore is well-versed in the expectations that come with coaching the Cowboys, including the high levels of media scrutiny and the intense pressure to win championships.
5. Reputation for Innovation In today’s NFL, offensive innovation is one of the keys to success, and Moore has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most creative offensive minds. His ability to create mismatches with his play designs, along with his adaptation to changing game situations, has made the Cowboys’ offense one of the most dangerous in the league.As head coach, Moore would be able to implement a scheme that not only takes advantage of the team’s current strengths but also continues to evolve. His willingness to experiment with different styles of play—blending up-tempo offenses, no-huddle systems, and an effective play-action game—would allow him to stay ahead of the curve and create an offense that is difficult to defend.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite his strong candidacy, Kellen Moore would face several challenges if he were to be promoted to head coach.

1. Managing the Entire Team: While Moore has shown great success as an offensive coordinator, transitioning to the role of head coach requires a broader skill set. As head coach, Moore would need to manage all aspects of the team, including defense, special teams, and personnel decisions. While his offensive knowledge is unquestioned, his ability to oversee an entire roster and lead a team through the ups and downs of a long NFL season remains an open question.
2. Pressure of Coaching the Cowboys: Coaching the Dallas Cowboys is not for the faint of heart. The team has an immense fan base, and every loss is heavily scrutinized. The Cowboys’ front office, led by Jerry Jones, has notoriously high expectations, and Moore would be under pressure to deliver not just playoff appearances but also Super Bowl victories. While Moore’s youthful energy could be an asset, the expectations for him would be enormous, particularly in a city where winning is everything.
3. Coaching Experience: While Moore has done an excellent job as an offensive coordinator, his lack of experience as a head coach could be a hurdle. Leading an entire team involves far more than playcalling—it requires decision-making in critical moments, managing personalities, and maintaining a positive culture. Moore’s ability to manage these aspects of the job would be crucial to his success.