Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has climbed quickly up the coaching ranks, jumping from his playing career to becoming an NFL play-caller by 2019. Now, the 32-year-old could be poised to take the next step by becoming a head coach.
Just days after the Auburn Tigers hired Bryan Harsin to replace Gus Malzahn, the Boise State Broncos are now looking for their head coach. While the college football coaching carousel is just getting started, the Broncos might have their eye on Moore.
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore under consideration for Boise State job
Coming off a historic playing career for the Boise State Broncos, quarterback Kellen Moore signed with the Detroit Lions in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. After a few seasons with the Lions, he signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad in 2015.
Moore spent the next two seasons as the Cowboys’ backup quarter, starting two games during the 2015 season. In the only two regular-season appearances during his NFL playing career, Moore completed 61-of-104 passes for 779 passing yards and a 4/6 TD/INT ratio with a 0-2 record.
He retired following the 2017 season and was immediately named the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach. One year later, he was promoted to offensive coordinator and started calling plays for the team. Under his direction, Dallas led the NFL in total yards per game (431.5) during the 2019 season, with Dak Prescott posting the best numbers in his career.
Related: Kellen Moore weighing offers from Washington Huskies, Dallas Cowboys
Moore was retained in Dallas when head coach Mike McCarthy took over. Now, even amid a disappointing season from the Cowboys, Moore could be prepared to take the next jump in his coaching career.
According to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, Moore is a candidate to watch during Boise State’s coaching search. In fact, if he wants the job, it’s believed the Broncos would be happy to hire him to replace Harsin.
Kellen Moore’s college career at Boise State
Kellen Moore signed with the Boise State Broncos in the 2007 recruiting class, entering as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports. He immediately took over as the team’s starting quarterback in his freshman season, becoming one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football history.
As a freshman, Moore completed 69.4% of his 405 pass attempts. He posted a 25/10 TD/INT ratio with a 157.1 quarterback rating and 3,486 passing yards across 13 games. The accomplishments helped him earn the WAC’s Freshman of the Year award.
Following the 12-1 season, Moore was even better as a sophomore. He dominated the competition, racking up 3,536 passing yards with a 161.7 quarterback rating and a 39/3 TD/INT ratio. Boise State went undefeated in 2009, winning the Fiesta Bowl and finishing as the No. 4 team in the AP poll.
Moore continued to make improvements as time went on. As a junior, he completed 71.3% of his passes and finished with a career-high 10.0 yards per pass attempt. Behind a 35/6 TD/INT ratio and 182.6 quarterback rating, the Broncos went 12-1 and Moore finished the 2010 season as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
He returned for his senior season and ended his collegiate career on a fitting note. He was even more accurate as a passer, completing 74.3% of his passes for 3,800 yards and a 43/9 TD/INT ratio. Boise State finished 12-1. securing their second consecutive Maaco Bowl victory.
Moore holds the best all-time record among FBS quarterbacks at 50-3. He also owns the Boise State Broncos’ record books with 14,667 passing yards, 142 passing touchdowns and a 169.0 quarterback rating.
It’s known that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones adores Kellen Moore and it’s very possible that he might have a future as an NFL head coach. With that said, the opportunity to lead his alma mater may be too much to pass on.