After learning that Mike McCarthy and Dan Quinn will remain on the Cowboys coaching staff in 2022, the spotlight now points to Kellen Moore. The Dallas offensive coordinator has several teams interested in hiring him as their head coach for next season. He is even among the candidates who will have a second interview with the Miami Dolphins in the next few hours.
However, Jerry Jones is confident that Moore will stay in Dallas this year. This was revealed by the owner and general manager of the Cowboys during a radio interview last Friday on 105.3 The Fan. In it, Jones stated that his wish is for the young coach to continue in his position.
On OC Kellen Moore, Jerry Jones tells @1053thefan he believes Moore will return in 2022, despite interest from teams for HC vacancies.
Is that what you want?
Jones: “Yes.”
— Brianna Dix (@DixBrianna) January 28, 2022
Although Moore’s status is yet to be confirmed, everything seems to indicate that he will continue to lead the cowboy offense. After having interviews with four teams, the Dolphins are the only ones still considering him for the head coaching job. And, according to reports this Sunday, it is very likely that it will be Mike McDaniels (offensive coordinator of the 49ers) who will keep that position in Miami.
However, the potential continuity of Kellen Moore in Dallas does not imply that he does not have things to improve.
To many, Moore is considered one of the most talented young coaches in the NFL today. Under him, the Cowboys’ offense topped many stats in 2021: first in total yards and points scored, third in yards per play, sixth in first down conversions, among others. Even Moore began the campaign standing out for his creativity as a strategist.
Dallas Cowboys CeeDee Lamb and Ezekiel Elliott nearly pull off the impossible! #DALvsLAC pic.twitter.com/qs333wRfck
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) September 19, 2021
But, like the performance of the offense in general, Moore’s cache dwindled in the second half of the season. So much so, that the offensive coordinator went from being considered a mastermind to being cataloged as the heir to Jason Garrett for his predictable approaches.
Beyond the interest of Boise State (his alma mater) and some teams in hiring him as head coach, the truth is that Kellen Moore still has things to improve. If he continues in Dallas, the coach will need a mentor to guide him, especially when it comes to calling plays on offense.
In theory, Mike McCarthy could fill that role. Since his arrival in Dallas, McCarthy entrusted Moore with the job of calling the offensive plays. This, let’s remember, despite the fact that the head coach dealt with this during almost his entire time as head of the Packers. Because of his experience, McCarthy would be the immediate choice to help the offensive coordinator. In fact, that is an option that Jerry Jones values in this regard.
“There are no doubts about it”Jones said on 105.3 The Fan this Friday. “We will try to use everything that Mike has in his previous experience to help us in every part of this team.”
This would not imply that McCarthy is in charge of calling the Cowboys’ offensive plays. The head coach made it clear after the loss to the 49ers that Kellen Moore will retain that role next season. However, it is not ruled out that he could serve as a mentor for the young coach.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has no plan to overtake offensive play-calling responsibility. “I don’t think that’s the best way to run an offense.” Person who installs it, calls it. That is OC Kellen Moore.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 19, 2022
Now, another alternative would be to bring in new assistants on offense to help improve Moore. Preferably someone with experience and a profile similar to Moore. For David Howman de Blogging The Boys, one possible candidate would be John DeFilippo, the Bears’ current quarterbacks coach. This coach has a Super Bowl on his resume with the Eagles holding that same position. Therefore, his experience and his performance as coordinator of the passing offense can be valuable.
Either way, the Cowboys have to adjust pieces of offensive coordination. Beyond a mentor or assistant to Moore, it would take someone who can correct the flaws on the offensive line. This, let’s remember, after this unit was largely responsible for the Cowboys leading the NFL in penalties this season.
At the moment, it remains to wait for what happens with Kellen Moore in the next few hours. Beyond the words of Jerry Jones, the continuity of the Dallas offensive coordinator seems like a given. It’s true that Moore is seen as the Cowboys’ future head coach, following in similar footsteps to Jason Garrett. But if he stays in Dallas, he’ll have to prove himself next season.
