Unexpected information reveals why Kellen Moore, a top candidate, was passed over for the Cowboys head coaching position.

Kellen Moore, the former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator, was widely seen as a top candidate for the Cowboys’ head coach position in 2025. As a young, innovative coach with a promising resume, Moore appeared to be the logical successor to Mike McCarthy, especially given his deep familiarity with the team, the players, and the franchise’s offensive identity. Yet, despite these advantages, the job ultimately went to another candidate. What went wrong? Why did Kellen Moore, despite all of his potential and success as an offensive mind, miss out on the opportunity to lead the Dallas Cowboys?

Recent developments and insider information have revealed surprising details about why Moore, a rising star in the coaching ranks, did not land the coveted head coaching job in Dallas. There were several factors—some related to his performance as a coordinator, others tied to internal team dynamics—that played a role in the team’s decision to pass him over. While Moore certainly had the pedigree to become a head coach, it appears there were concerns that ultimately held him back from securing the position. This decision raises questions about the future of the Cowboys and the direction the franchise is headed under owner Jerry Jones.

Kellen Moore’s Rise and Success with the Cowboys

To understand why Kellen Moore was such a logical candidate, it’s important to look at his career trajectory with the Dallas Cowboys. Moore started his coaching career as the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach in 2018 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019. Under Moore’s leadership, the Cowboys’ offense flourished, particularly in the early years. In 2019, the team finished as one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL, ranking first in total yards per game and second in points per game. Moore’s offensive schemes were praised for being creative, fast-paced, and adaptable to the strengths of the Cowboys’ personnel, particularly quarterback Dak Prescott.

Despite some ups and downs in subsequent years, Moore’s offensive unit remained competitive. The offense, led by Prescott and a strong offensive line, was consistently ranked among the league’s top performers. Moore was viewed by many as an innovative, forward-thinking offensive mind who could bring success to any NFL team. His ability to maximize the talents of Prescott and other key players like Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, and others solidified his reputation as one of the best young offensive coaches in the game.

However, while Moore showed success, his tenure as offensive coordinator was not without its flaws. As the Cowboys entered the postseason, the offensive production was inconsistent, particularly in high-pressure situations. Despite regularly boasting one of the league’s top offenses, Moore’s schemes seemed to struggle when the stakes were highest. This inconsistency and inability to adjust to pressure situations began to raise questions about Moore’s readiness for the head coaching position.

The First Hint of Tension: Playoff Struggles and Criticism

One of the first signs that Moore may have struggled to make a lasting impression on Jerry Jones came after the Cowboys’ disappointing playoff exits in 2021 and 2022. While the team boasted strong regular-season numbers, they faltered in the postseason. These playoff struggles raised concerns about Moore’s ability to perform when it mattered most.

In particular, the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2022 NFL playoffs highlighted some of the issues that lingered with Moore’s offensive schemes. The Cowboys offense, once potent and unstoppable in the regular season, appeared sluggish and uninspired in the postseason. Moore’s inability to make adjustments to San Francisco’s aggressive defense—combined with questionable play calling—left many wondering if he was ready for the big stage.

For Jerry Jones, whose ultimate goal is to bring the Cowboys back to their championship pedigree, these playoff struggles were significant red flags. Jones had seen enough of Moore’s offensive brilliance in the regular season but was not convinced that Moore was the kind of coach who could succeed in high-pressure environments like the postseason. It was clear that Moore still had some growing to do in terms of managing the complexities of a team on the biggest stages of the NFL, something that would be crucial as the Cowboys aimed to contend for a Super Bowl.

Internal Dynamics and the Cowboys’ Culture

Another factor that likely contributed to Moore’s failure to land the head coaching job was internal dynamics within the Cowboys’ organization. While Moore was popular with the players and respected as a coach, his relationship with the front office and ownership appeared to be more complicated than initially thought. Sources close to the Cowboys have suggested that Jerry Jones was not completely convinced that Moore could handle the totality of a head coach’s role.

Jones, who is known for his hands-on approach and unrelenting involvement in team decisions, had a specific vision for the future of the Cowboys. While Moore was seen as a strong offensive coordinator, there were doubts about whether he could manage the entire team—particularly the defense and special teams—at a time when the Cowboys were in desperate need of a balanced approach. Jones has often emphasized the importance of hiring a head coach who can integrate all aspects of the team, including building relationships with all players and assistants, not just focusing on one side of the ball.

Additionally, Moore’s rapport with key members of the Cowboys’ coaching staff was reportedly a concern. In a high-stakes environment like the Cowboys, the head coach needs to be someone who can foster collaboration and harmony among various departments. There were whispers that Moore, while a brilliant offensive mind, had not always fostered the same level of rapport with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn or special teams coach John Fassel. This lack of cohesion among the coaching staff raised questions about Moore’s ability to be the unifying figure the Cowboys needed at the top.

The Cowboys’ culture, driven by Jones, is also a crucial element in the decision-making process. Jerry Jones wanted a head coach who would embody the image of the franchise—a leader who could command the locker room, generate excitement around the team, and manage expectations. While Moore was certainly a talented and respected coach, Jones may have felt that he was not yet ready to carry that mantle, especially in a city as demanding as Dallas.

Leadership Style and Personality Fit

One of the more surprising reasons why Kellen Moore did not get the head coaching role was his leadership style and personality. Despite being known as an intelligent and capable coach, Moore’s leadership style has been described as more reserved and quiet compared to some of the other candidates who were reportedly considered for the job.

In Dallas, where larger-than-life personalities like Jones and quarterback Dak Prescott dominate the media landscape, the Cowboys have often looked for head coaches who can command attention and inspire through their presence. Coaches like Bill Parcells and Jimmy Johnson were both known for their authoritative leadership styles, which resonated with the tough, high-profile nature of the Cowboys. While Moore was never considered to be a passive leader, some felt that his quieter, more introverted style might not have aligned with the franchise’s expectations for a head coach.

Moore’s lack of experience in managing the larger aspects of a team, such as media relations and player dynamics, was seen as a potential drawback. While he was widely praised for his work on the offensive side of the ball, there was a sense that he might struggle to command the respect of the entire team in the way a head coach needs to. This perception may have played a role in Jerry Jones’ decision to look elsewhere for the head coach position.

The Cowboys’ Decision to Move Forward with Mike McCarthy

Ultimately, Jerry Jones decided to stick with Mike McCarthy, the incumbent head coach, after considering Moore and several other candidates. McCarthy, while criticized at times for his conservative approach, was viewed as the more established option. With a Super Bowl ring to his name, McCarthy brought experience and stability to the Cowboys. Moreover, McCarthy was seen as a better fit for the team’s overall needs, with his experience managing all aspects of the team and his ability to relate to veteran players.

While McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys has been marked by inconsistencies, his ability to manage the team and keep the ship afloat in challenging times may have made him a safer bet for Jones than promoting Moore. McCarthy also had the support of key players like Prescott, who praised McCarthy’s leadership and vision. These factors, along with the internal dynamics and Moore’s relative inexperience as a head coach, ultimately led to Jones’ decision to keep McCarthy at the helm for the foreseeable future.

The Future of Kellen Moore

Despite missing out on the head coaching job in Dallas, Kellen Moore’s future in the NFL remains bright. He remains one of the top young coaching minds in the game, and his ability to develop quarterbacks and create high-powered offenses is well-respected across the league. While Moore may not have secured the Cowboys’ head coach position, it’s likely that other teams will continue to show interest in him as a potential future head coach.

As for the Cowboys, their decision to keep McCarthy for now leaves Moore with a new set of challenges. While he may not have been ready for a head coaching role in Dallas, Moore’s time in the NFL, especially as an offensive coordinator, has set him up for future opportunities. If he continues to improve and adapt as a coach, there’s little doubt that he will be considered for top coaching positions in the future.