The Dallas Cowboys are making big changes on offense. The team reportedly mutually agreed to part ways with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore on Sunday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The move comes a week after the Cowboys lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs. Dallas scored just 12 points in the loss to seventh-round rookie quarterback Brock Purdy.
The move comes as a surprise given Dallas’ offense has performed well since Moore took over. Moore, who has been the team’s offensive coordinator since 2019, helped the Cowboys rank 6th, 17th, 1st and 4th in runs scored in his four seasons. The team’s low ranking in 2020 came after Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5.
Prescott has also been short on time this season, but the Cowboys still put up strong offensive numbers with Cooper Rush at the helm. Dallas scored 20+ points in 4 of 5 games pitched by Rush.
The Cowboys continued to play long after Prescott returned, scoring at least 40 points 3 times from Week 11 through Week 16. Although Prescott was criticized for throwing interceptions after his return, he put on a masterful performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wildcard round.
After the loss to the 49ers, in which Prescott had 1 touchdown to 2 interceptions, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones elected to keep head coach Mike McCarthy for another season. Moore was not among the team’s first coaching cuts, which came Thursday, but McCarthy said he was still in the middle of evaluations.
Kellen Moore should be wanted as offensive coordinator
Moore’s success should make him one of the most sought-after offensive coordinators out there. Moore was interviewed for several head coaching opportunities during his tenure with the Cowboys, including one with the Carolina Panthers this offseason.
If Moore is unable to land a head coaching gig this offseason, he will likely join another franchise as offensive coordinator. Moore should talk to the Los Angeles Chargers about their current opening, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
If he can recreate the success he enjoyed in Dallas with a new team, Moore will likely continue to be a popular name whenever there’s a head coaching vacancy in the league.
As for the Cowboys, the team will likely be looking for a coordinator who can get Prescott back to the Pro Bowl. After appearing in the Pro Bowl in two of his first three seasons, Prescott hasn’t received that honor in the past four seasons. Injuries played a big part in that, and Prescott performed well on the court.
Despite this, the Cowboys and Moore felt a change was needed. Whoever replaces Moore in Dallas will have big shoes to fill and will be under pressure to perform immediately. Jones has been patient with McCarthy but generally isn’t afraid to shake things up, especially if the new offensive coordinator doesn’t live up to expectations.