A former quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers is a possible choice to be Kellen Moore’s assistant coach.

A Former Quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers is a Possible Choice to be Kellen Moore’s Assistant Coach

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of college football, coaching decisions are paramount. One of the most important positions on any football team is the offensive coordinator, a role that holds the keys to a team’s offensive success and dictates the game’s tempo. For Kellen Moore, the new offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers, putting together the right coaching staff is crucial to ensuring that his vision for the offense is executed to perfection. The latest development in the search for Moore’s assistant coach could see a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback joining the staff, adding a layer of familiarity and experience to an already dynamic coaching setup.

While Moore’s ascension to the offensive coordinator position has been highly anticipated after a successful stint as the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, the hiring of his assistant coach is equally important. One of the names reportedly being considered for the role is Josh Dobbs, a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback who has played in the NFL. With Dobbs’ experience both at the college level and as a professional, the move would make sense for Moore, as Dobbs’ unique perspective and knowledge could be valuable for the Chargers’ offensive attack.

This article will explore the potential hiring of Josh Dobbs as Kellen Moore’s assistant, examining Dobbs’ background as a quarterback, his career trajectory, the significance of this coaching move for the Chargers, and what Dobbs could bring to the table for Moore’s offensive staff.

Josh Dobbs: A Career Overview

Josh Dobbs is best known for his time as the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers. A dual-threat quarterback, Dobbs was an incredibly dynamic and athletic player who brought a unique skill set to the field. He played for Tennessee from 2013 to 2016, earning a reputation for his ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs.

At Tennessee, Dobbs was a highly productive player who helped lead the Volunteers to a strong finish in the SEC. Over his four years in Knoxville, Dobbs threw for over 7,000 yards and 53 touchdowns, while also rushing for more than 2,000 yards and 32 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability made him a headache for opposing defenses and a favorite among Volunteers fans. He was particularly known for his poise under pressure, ability to perform in clutch moments, and his leadership on and off the field.

After his college career, Dobbs transitioned to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. While his time with the Steelers was brief, Dobbs would go on to have stints with several other teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans. Throughout his time in the NFL, Dobbs served as a backup quarterback, but his experience with various teams allowed him to understand different offensive systems and coaching styles.

Despite not being a regular starter in the NFL, Dobbs’ football IQ, adaptability, and understanding of the game made him a valuable asset to his teams. His extensive knowledge of offensive playbooks and his experience as a quarterback could translate well into a coaching role, particularly in assisting the development of quarterbacks.

Kellen Moore: The New Offensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers

Kellen Moore’s rise in the coaching ranks has been one of the more impressive stories in recent NFL history. After a successful career as a quarterback at Boise State, Moore transitioned into coaching, starting as a quarterbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. His work with the Cowboys’ offense caught the attention of NFL executives and analysts, and in 2019, he was promoted to offensive coordinator.

Moore’s time with the Cowboys was marked by his ability to work with quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, helping elevate their performance. His offenses were consistently among the more efficient units in the league, and his creativity in play-calling earned him recognition as one of the best young offensive minds in the NFL.

After several successful seasons with the Cowboys, Moore moved on to become the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, are poised for big things, and Moore’s ability to maximize Herbert’s talent could take the Chargers’ offense to new heights. However, to achieve success, Moore needs a strong coaching staff to help execute his vision, and this is where Josh Dobbs could come in.

Why Josh Dobbs Makes Sense as Kellen Moore’s Assistant Coach

As Moore looks to build his coaching staff, the addition of Josh Dobbs would provide multiple benefits. First and foremost, Dobbs’ experience as a quarterback, both at the college and professional levels, would bring invaluable insight into Moore’s offense. Dobbs understands the nuances of being a signal-caller, from reading defenses to managing the game’s tempo. His experience as a dual-threat quarterback, combined with his familiarity with various offensive systems, would give him the ability to teach and mentor the Chargers’ quarterbacks, particularly Justin Herbert.

1. Experience in Multiple Offensive Systems

One of the key reasons Dobbs would be an asset to Moore’s coaching staff is his diverse experience with various offensive systems. Throughout his NFL career, Dobbs has played under several offensive coordinators and quarterbacks coaches, each with different philosophies and approaches. He has seen first-hand how different systems can impact the development and success of quarterbacks, and his knowledge of those systems could help him contribute to the development of Moore’s offensive strategies.

Dobbs’ time with the Steelers under offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and his experience with the Titans and Jaguars exposed him to multiple styles of play. Whether it’s a West Coast offense, a spread offense, or a more traditional approach, Dobbs has experienced it all. This broad understanding of offensive systems makes him a versatile addition to Moore’s staff, where he can assist in implementing different concepts that best fit the strengths of Herbert and the Chargers’ overall offensive approach.

2. Mentorship for Justin Herbert

One of the most exciting aspects of Dobbs potentially joining the Chargers is the opportunity to mentor quarterback Justin Herbert, who is considered one of the brightest young talents in the NFL. Moore and Dobbs could work together to help Herbert refine his game, particularly when it comes to reading defenses, making quicker decisions under pressure, and continuing to improve his consistency.

Herbert has shown flashes of brilliance, but the Chargers need someone who can help him take that next step to become an elite quarterback. With Dobbs’ background as a dual-threat quarterback, he could be particularly helpful in assisting Herbert with elements of the game that require a high level of adaptability and decision-making. Dobbs’ knowledge of both the mental and physical aspects of playing quarterback could be key in Herbert’s development.

3. Dobbs’ Leadership and Football IQ

As a quarterback, Dobbs was known for his leadership qualities and his ability to remain calm under pressure. Those same traits would translate well into his role as a coach. In his time at Tennessee, Dobbs was the leader of the team, guiding them through crucial games and performing in high-stress situations. His ability to lead and communicate with teammates would be incredibly valuable in a coaching capacity, where fostering strong relationships with players and creating an environment of trust is vital.

Dobbs also possesses a strong football IQ, which is an essential asset for any coach. His knowledge of the game, from both a technical and strategic standpoint, allows him to break down complex concepts for players and help them understand how to approach different in-game situations. His ability to dissect defensive alignments and offensive schemes would make him an excellent teacher for the Chargers’ quarterbacks and other offensive players.

What Could Dobbs Bring to Kellen Moore’s Staff?

If Josh Dobbs were to be hired as Kellen Moore’s assistant coach, he would bring several important qualities to the Chargers’ offensive staff:

1. Quarterback Development

As mentioned earlier, Dobbs’ primary role could be focused on quarterback development. His experience playing at the highest level and his familiarity with different offensive systems would allow him to provide a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed as a quarterback in the NFL. He could work closely with Herbert to ensure that the quarterback is able to make quick, accurate decisions on the field and continue to develop as one of the league’s top signal-callers.

2. Offensive Strategy and Game Planning

In addition to working with quarterbacks, Dobbs could also contribute to offensive game planning. His understanding of defensive schemes and offensive tactics would give him insight into how best to attack opposing defenses. Whether it’s through the run game, play-action passes, or an uptempo no-huddle offense, Dobbs would be able to collaborate with Moore to develop a game plan that maximizes the strengths of the Chargers’ roster.

3. Leadership and Mentorship

As a former team captain at Tennessee and a veteran of multiple NFL teams, Dobbs brings leadership experience that would be invaluable in a coaching role. His ability to connect with players and establish a rapport would help foster a positive and productive environment within the Chargers’ offensive unit. His mentorship could also be instrumental in guiding younger players and helping them adjust to the rigors of the NFL.