Unexpected facts about why Kellen Moore was passed over for the Cowboys head coaching position

In the world of professional sports, especially in the high-stakes realm of the NFL, coaching changes are often met with significant scrutiny. The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most popular and historically successful teams in the league, found themselves in the midst of yet another coaching search following the departure of former head coach Mike McCarthy. Among the potential candidates for the job, one name seemed to be on the tip of many tongues: Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ former offensive coordinator.

Moore had spent years as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator and was widely regarded as one of the brightest young minds in the NFL. His reputation for turning around the Cowboys’ offense, particularly helping quarterback Dak Prescott reach new heights, seemed to make him a prime candidate for the head coach position. However, despite the anticipation and his solid record, Kellen Moore was ultimately passed over for the role in favor of another candidate, Mike McCarthy. This decision came as a shock to many Cowboys fans and analysts who saw Moore as the logical next step for the franchise.

While Moore’s failure to land the head coaching position raised eyebrows across the league, the reasons behind his exclusion were more complicated than initially thought. Several unexpected factors played a role in Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ decision to look elsewhere, despite Moore’s potential. From personal dynamics to organizational culture, here are some unexpected facts behind why Kellen Moore was passed over for the Cowboys’ top job.

1. Internal Concerns About Moore’s Leadership Abilities

One of the key reasons Kellen Moore was passed over for the head coach position was concerns about his leadership style and his ability to manage a team at the highest level. While Moore was widely regarded as an offensive genius, there were some doubts within the Cowboys organization about his readiness to take on the full responsibility of being a head coach.

Moore had spent years working under head coach Jason Garrett and then Mike McCarthy, which meant that his experience in managing an entire team, including personnel decisions and dealing with off-field distractions, was relatively limited. Many felt that while Moore excelled in offensive schemes and game-planning, his ability to motivate and manage a team in the same way as a seasoned head coach remained a question mark.

Leading an NFL team is not just about drawing up plays and calling offensive strategies. A head coach is expected to be the face of the organization, the ultimate decision-maker, and someone who can navigate the complex dynamics of the locker room. There were concerns about whether Moore, who was only in his mid-thirties at the time, had developed enough of the necessary skills to command respect from players, particularly veterans who had experienced multiple coaching regimes.

2. A Disconnect with Jerry Jones Over Offensive Philosophy

While Moore’s success with the Cowboys’ offense was undeniable, there was an underlying tension between Moore and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones regarding offensive philosophy. Jones has always been vocal about his desire for an offense that is high-powered, dynamic, and capable of competing with the best teams in the league. However, as the offensive coordinator, Moore’s play-calling became increasingly conservative and predictable in key situations, particularly during high-pressure games.

Jones had voiced frustrations with Moore’s play-calling in critical moments, especially during the playoffs. Despite having a top-tier quarterback in Dak Prescott, Moore’s offense often struggled to execute when it mattered most, and this left Jones questioning whether Moore was capable of putting together a consistent and explosive offensive game plan. While Moore certainly had his moments of brilliance, Jones expected more consistency and adaptability, especially in big-game situations.

This philosophical disconnect between Moore and Jones played a significant role in the decision to look for another head coach. Jerry Jones has been known for his hands-on approach to the team, and he is not one to shy away from making bold decisions if he believes that the current system is not working. After years of hearing the Cowboys’ offense described as “stale” or “predictable,” Jones was looking for a fresh perspective, which ultimately led him to pursue other options.

3. Lack of Experience in High-Pressure Situations

Another unexpected reason Kellen Moore was passed over for the head coach position was his lack of experience in high-pressure situations, particularly as a leader in the postseason. As an offensive coordinator, Moore had ample opportunity to showcase his offensive brilliance, but he had yet to prove himself in the high-stakes environment of a playoff run.

In his time with the Cowboys, Moore had helped the team reach the postseason several times, but the offense often faltered in critical moments. The Cowboys struggled in important playoff games under Moore’s leadership, with the team failing to make deep playoff runs. While Moore could certainly design and execute successful plays during the regular season, he had not yet demonstrated the ability to lead the team to consistent postseason success.

Jerry Jones, known for his championship aspirations, was looking for someone who could elevate the team during high-pressure games. The lack of playoff success and Moore’s inability to adapt his game plan when the stakes were raised were seen as significant drawbacks. The decision to look for a more experienced head coach who could handle the pressures of the playoffs and lead the team to a Super Bowl became a driving factor in Jones’ decision-making process.

4. Influence of the Cowboys’ Veteran Players

Another unexpected aspect of Moore’s failed head coaching bid was the influence of the Cowboys’ veteran players, who had a strong say in the decision-making process. Throughout his time with the Cowboys, Moore had developed a good rapport with many of the team’s offensive players, particularly Prescott and Elliott. However, some of the more established veterans on the team were reportedly not as convinced about Moore’s ability to step into a head coaching role.

Veteran players who had been through several coaching regimes voiced concerns about Moore’s lack of experience in dealing with difficult locker room dynamics. They questioned whether he could hold players accountable in the same way a more seasoned coach could. Leadership in the NFL is as much about managing egos and fostering team chemistry as it is about X’s and O’s, and some felt that Moore, despite his football IQ, had not yet proven he could handle the interpersonal and emotional aspects of leading a team.

This factor played a role in Jerry Jones’ decision to seek a coach with more experience in managing complex locker room situations. Jones understood that getting the most out of his star players and building a cohesive team would be crucial for any head coach, and the concerns raised by veteran players weighed heavily on the decision.

5. Timing and the Search for a New Direction

The Cowboys were at a crossroads when it came to their head coaching search. The team had achieved regular-season success under Moore, but Jones was beginning to sense that the team needed a new direction to break free from its playoff struggles. The decision to move on from Moore was, in many ways, a reflection of the need for a fresh start—a change that would inject new energy and ideas into the organization.

Jerry Jones had seen firsthand the stagnation that can occur when a team continues down the same path without making necessary adjustments. After years of playoff exits and disappointing performances in critical moments, Jones wanted to bring in a coach who could change the culture and bring a new perspective to the team. While Moore was a talented offensive mind, Jones felt that his ability to take the Cowboys to the next level was limited by his lack of experience as a head coach and his failure to elevate the team in key postseason moments.

6. Moore’s Move to the Los Angeles Chargers

After being passed over for the Cowboys’ head coaching job, Kellen Moore’s career took an unexpected turn when he was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers as their offensive coordinator. The move to the Chargers gave Moore the opportunity to work with an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert, and it has provided him with a new platform to continue developing his skills. While Moore’s departure was disappointing for some Cowboys fans, it also signaled that he had the potential to thrive in a new environment with a fresh set of challenges.

In Los Angeles, Moore has the chance to prove that he can adapt his offense and evolve as a coach. His work with Herbert and the Chargers’ offense will be closely scrutinized, and success in this role could help Moore eventually secure another head coaching opportunity in the future.