4 Kellen Moore replacements Cowboys should have on their radar
By Randy Gurzi
Once again, the Dallas Cowboys had plenty of offensive success during the regular season which means Kellen Moore’s name is being floated as a potential head coaching candidate.
In fact, the Carolina Panthers have already requested permission to meet with the fourth-year offensive coordinator for their head coaching vacancy. Moore will interview with the Panthers on Tuesday, per reports.
Who knows? If Moore fails to land a head coaching gig, perhaps Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys decide to move on from the offensive coordinator. Dak Prescott took a big step backwards in 2022, and Moore could be scapegoated as a means to get a new face in the building in hopes of fixing the franchise QB.
Moore met with teams last year as well — as did defensive coordinator Dan Quinn — but wound up staying in Dallas. That might not be the case this season but if they do lose Moore, here are four outside candidates they should have on speed dial.
Cowboys offensive coordinator candidates if Kellen Moore leaves
4. Mike LaFleur
Matt LaFleur has had a lot of success as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers but his younger brother could be the next rising star in the family. Mike LaFleur has spent several years as an assistant coach and was with the San Francisco 49ers as the passing game coordinator from 2017 through 2020 and had a lot of success despite injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo continually causing them to switch things up.
He left in 2021 as Robert Saleh brought him to the New York Jets with him when he was hired as their head coach. LaFleur served as the offensive coordinator from 2021 through 2022 and despite some improvement, this past season, he and the Jets parted ways as he looks for his next home.
LaFleur did have some success as Garrett Wilson put together a strong rookie campaign but in the end, his inability to help Zach Wilson develop led to the decision from Saleh. Having said that, it’s hard to put too much blame on LaFleur as Wilson seemed to have lost his confidence and their offensive line was a mess due to injuries.
He would have a better roster in Dallas and a coach in Mike McCarthy that would be a huge asset to game planning. He might not be the top choice, but LaFleur should be on the shortlist.