The Dallas Cowboys have fired offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, parting ways with their top play-caller as part of sweeping changes to the coaching staff.
Dallas’ decision comes just days after Moore interviewed for the Carolina Panthers’ head-coaching vacancy, finishing as a finalist after making a strong impression on the organization. Speaking to reporters this past week, McCarthy wouldn’t commit to Moore staying with the Cowboys.
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According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys are parting ways with Moore and McCarthy will call the offensive plays next season.
Moore’s dismissal comes after another strong season for the Cowboys’ offense. Dallas finished the regular season averaging the fifth-most points (26.8) and fifth-most offensive touchdowns (3.1) per game.
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While the Cowboys ranked 15th in Football Outsiders’ DVOA and 15th in yards per play (5.4), its offense was weighed down by a four-game stretch with backup Cooper Rush. However, Moore’s offense still averaged a 35% third-down conversion rate with 128.4 rush ypg and a 4-0 record.
Moore was expected to become the Boise State Broncos head coach in 2021 before Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones convinced him to remain in Dallas. Once viewed as a potential successor to McCarthy, he has now been dismissed by the Cowboys’ head coach.
Instead of pursuing one of the top offensive coordinators candidates, McCarthy will take over as the Cowboys’ play-caller in 2023. When he last called plays in 2018 with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Green Bay Packers ranked 14th in scoring (23.5 PPG), 17th in third-down conversion rate (39.5%) and 23rd in red-zone touchdown rate (51.85%).
Following his dismissal from Dallas, Moore is immediately expected to receive interest from around the NFL. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have significant interest in hiring Moore as offensive play-caller and pairing him with Tom Brady.