The Dallas Cowboys are just 48 hours removed from relieving Mike McCarthy of his duties. While McCarthy wasn't fired, his contract expired and the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a new deal.
Jerry Jones' statement about the decision hinted the Cowboys will act with urgency to find their next head coach.
It took mere hours after McCarthy's departure for Deion Sanders to be linked with the vacancy, and on Wednesday we learned Dallas plans to interview former Jets head coach and 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Given some of the candidates that are being floated, Saleh is a fantastic initial hire.
RELATED: CeeDee Lamb makes feelings known about Deion Sanders as Cowboys' head coach
Perhaps the most popular name is Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who coached in Dallas for five seasons before he was effectively fired after the 2022 seasons.
Moore is widely considered the favorite to replace McCarthy, but he is currently preparing for Philadelphia's Divisional Round matchup against the Rams. However, that did not stop the Philly media from asking him about being immediately linked to the Cowboys' job.
Kellen Moore leaves door wide open to become the Cowboys' next head coach
"I spent a lot of time there, eight years there, so [I] have plenty of relationships in that place,” Moore said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I love it here. I’ve had so much fun here. It’s been a really fun process, and we’re in a really special situation right now, getting the chance to play this Sunday, having a chance to make a run at this thing, and that’s really all you worry about. Everything else is what it is, and we’ll see where it takes you."
"We'll see where it takes you" certainly isn't a no. At the very least, it sounds like Moore will take an interview when Jerry Jones inevitably reaches out.
It is easy to see why Moore is among the favorites for the Cowboys' job. His history with the organization sticks out the most.
Moore started as a backup quarterback for three years from 2015-17. After a truncated playing career, he joined Jason Garrett's staff as quarterbacks coach. He was then promoted to offensive coordinator in Garrett's final year in 2019 and held that title through the 2022 season under McCarthy.
While some of Moore's play-calling drew the ire of Cowboys fans, his stint as offensive coordinator was a roaring success. He was teammates with several players who are still on the team, including Dak Prescott.
We all know Jerry Jones loves to have a personal relationship with his head coaches. Moore and Jones obviously go way back, and Moore's soft-spoken personality would allow Jones to maintain full control of the organization. That is the last thing Cowboys fans want to hear, but it is absolutely part of the Moore appeal in Jones' eyes.
Cowboys fans have mixed feelings about Moore as a head coach. There are real reservations about his play-calling against top defenses and his ability to command a locker room.
Moore wouldn't be our first pick, but he is absolutely going to be in the mix. That he didn't shoot down the idea on arrival all but confirms that.