The Dallas Cowboys are currently without an offensive coordinator after they “mutually” agreed to part ways with Kellen Moore.
While the team is looking for Moore’s substitute — they’ve already scheduled an interview with Panthers running backs coach Jeff Nixon — the expectation is Mike McCarthy will take over play-calling for the 2023 season.
Moore’s dismissal, for lack of a greater term, hurried.
Late last week, McCarthy addressed the media in his end-of-season press conference. When asked about Moore’s future, the pinnacle coach didn’t commit to Moore, under contract for 2023, returning as offensive coordinator.
In a transparent news dump, the breakup was confirmed right before the AFC Championship Game. It didn’t take long for Moore to land on his feet (lower than 24 hours, the truth is), as he was hired because the Chargers recent offensive coordinator.
So, what exactly led to Moore’s departure? Appearing on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer claimed McCarthy and Moore had a possible falling out towards the top of the 2022 season.
Cowboys Rumors: Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore didn’t see eye-to-eye during end of 2022 season.
Breer wouldn’t say outright that Moore was fired, but the very fact Moore was seemingly asked to not return despite being under contract for 2023 suggests this wasn’t the “mutual” parting of the way that’s been pushed by the media.
Nevertheless, Moore was quick to take the Chargers offensive coordinator job. Did that allow for a better split? Did Moore desire a change of scenery after 4 years in Dallas, and have a watch on the Chargers gig from the moment they fired Joe Lombardi? These are all pertinent questions, they usually may never get answered.
Regardless of the case, a variety of things might’ve led to Moore’s dismissal. Whether it was Dak Prescott regressing to the purpose of leading the NFL in interceptions, or McCarthy and Moore each being play-callers at their core, Breer’s report indicates there was some semblance of discontent between the coach and OC.
That’s to not imply their relationship is broken beyond repair, but you’ll be able to understand why McCarthy desires to preside over play-calling. He’ll be coaching for his job in 2023, and sure doesn’t want his wagon (future) attached to an offensive coordinator he doesn’t fully trust.
If McCarthy is happening, he’s happening on his own terms, and Moore now gets to coach a rising star at quarterback in Justin Herbert, and explosive offensive playmakers in Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, and Keenan Allen.
We’ll call it a win-win for each side.
