Chargers scoop up Kellen Moore hours after surprise Cowboys dismissal
By Jerry Trotta
The Dallas Cowboys made a surprising decision to dismiss Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator Sunday night. It was reported right before the start of the AFC Championship Game, so it’s pretty clear Dallas wanted the news to get overshadowed by the most anticipated game of the big weekend.
Cowboys fans are largely split on the decision, especially since all signs are pointing to Mike McCarthy assuming play-calling duties.
While Dallas often boasted an elite offense under Moore, it also struggled with inconsistency. This season alone, some of the Cowboys’ most prolific performances were followed by duds. The Week 16 outburst against Philly followed by two straight letdowns vs Tennessee and Washington, respectively, stick out.
At the same time, though, the Cowboys will be hard-pressed to find an upgrade on the open market. The Rams’ Zac Robinson and Eagles’ Brian Johnson are intriguing, and fans are hopeful Jerry Jones is aggressive in finding Moore’s replacement.
As for Moore, he’s going to be just fine.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the former Dallas offensive coordinator has taken the same position with the LA Chargers.
Former #Cowboys OC Kellen Moore is expected to become the #Chargers OC, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. The talented play-caller goes from Dak Prescott to Justin Herbert, a quick move after his departure from Dallas. pic.twitter.com/rgo99lA3YL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2023
The Chargers hired former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for the same position.
The Chargers fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi after the offense scored three points in their Wild Card collapse against the Jaguars. Robinson, Rams senior assistant Greg Olson, Titans tight ends coach Luke Steckel, Bills quarterbacks coach Joe Brady, and Rams assistant head coach Thomas Brown were all linked with Los Angeles before they hired Moore.
It’s admittedly not a great look for Dallas that it took Moore less than 24 hours to secure another offensive coordinator job. It equally isn’t surprising, as the Cowboys ranked first in yards twice and first in points once over Moore’s four years as the offense’s play-caller.
Simply put, Dallas had an elite offense with Moore pulling the strings whenever Dak Prescott was under center.
With the Chargers, Moore gets to work with arguably a top-five quarterback in Justin Herbert, a running back in Austin Ekeler who profiles similarly to Tony Pollard, and stud playmakers at receiver in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Brandon Staley is a defensive-minded head coach, so Moore will seemingly have full-control of the Bolts’ loaded offense.
The #Chargers have been working on this for a while, receiving permission to speak with Kellen Moore when it became clear there may be a mutual parting of the ways. Now, he’s expected to land in Los Angeles with one of the top jobs available. https://t.co/AcYmwKWcV5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2023
The Cowboys and Chargers are set to lock horns at SoFi Stadium next season, so Moore will go head-to-head against Dan Quinn’s defense.
It’s crazy how fast things change in the NFL. Just a week ago, it seemed Quinn was a lock to leave for a head coaching gig, and Moore was the more likely coordinator to return to Dallas.
We wish Moore nothing but the best on the west coast.
