The Dallas Cowboys' head coaching search is finally heating up. While Deion Sanders was predictably the first name linked with the vacancy, it is ex-Jets coach Robert Saleh who will interview first for the job. The Cowboys and Saleh will meet in person on Friday, per NFL Network.
It took all of one interview request for Jerry Jones to throw Dallas fans the first curveball of the search Wednesday night when it was reported the Cowboys want to interview Seahawks assistant head coach and former Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier.
While Frazier was a defensive coordinator as recently as 2022 (and a good one at that), he hasn't been a head coach since 2013. It's no secret Jones overvalues coaches with previous experience, but Sanders probably has a better chance of getting the job.
It would be shocking if Frazier is a finalist. What isn't at all shocking, though, is Dallas' latest interview request.
Cowboys officially request to interview Kellen Moore for head coaching vacancy
Per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Cowboys have officially requested to interview Kellen Moore for their head coach job.
The #Cowboys have officially requested to interview #Eagles OC Kellen Moore for their HC job, per me and @MikeGarafolo. One of the top candidates.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2025
This was inevitable. In the immediate aftermath of Mike McCarthy's departure, Moore was among the first names mentioned as a candidate. Some insiders believe Moore is the favorite for the job because he checks a lot of the boxes Jerry Jones seeks in his coaches.
RELATED: Kellen Moore drops subtle hint that he’s interested in Cowboys’ HC job
While Moore does not have experience as a head coach, he is highly regarded by the organization from his time as a player and coach.
Moore was a backup quarterback with the Cowboys for three seasons and joined Jason Garrett's staff as QBs coach after his playing career ended. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in his second year and held that position for four years before he was let go after the 2022 season.
In six years as an offensive coordinator (four with Dallas and one year each with the Chargers and Eagles, respectively) Moore has twice had the No. 1 total offense and has four top-10 scoring offenses.
There is also the fact that Moore has a close relationship with Dak Prescott, who is coming off arguably the worst season of his career.
However, the Cowboys might have to wait a while to interview Moore. The Eagles' offensive coordinator is set to interview for the Jaguars job on Friday and the Saints on Saturday. If Dallas does not get him during this truncated window, they'll have to wait until after Philly is eliminated.
That is the consequence of Jerry Jones dragging his heels on the McCarthy decision, though we doubt that it will cost the team hiring Moore if that is their ultimate endgame.