The Dallas Cowboys’ potential decision to rehire Kellen Moore might be influenced by Jerry Jones’ lingering regret over losing Sean Payton years ago. Moore, who has deep ties to the Cowboys, is a leading candidate for their head coaching vacancy, and Jones may see an opportunity to rectify a past oversight.
Moore’s journey with the Cowboys began as a backup quarterback from 2015 to 2017. He transitioned into coaching as the team’s quarterbacks coach in 2018 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019, holding the position until 2022. However, in 2023, head coach Mike McCarthy opted to assume greater control of the offense, prompting Moore to join the Los Angeles Chargers as their offensive coordinator. His tenure there was short-lived after a challenging season, and when Jim Harbaugh took the helm in 2024, Moore moved on to become the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.
During his time with the Eagles, Moore made a significant impact. He played a pivotal role in helping Saquon Barkley achieve a historic season, surpassing 2,000 rushing yards. The Eagles also finished with an impressive 14-3 record and are set to face the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs. Although their passing game didn’t generate standout numbers, many attribute this to personnel limitations rather than Moore’s play-calling. His previous stint with the Cowboys demonstrated his ability to lead a potent aerial attack, ranking second in passing offense in 2019 and 2021.
Many comparisons are being drawn between Kellen Moore and Jason Garrett due to their shared history as players and coaches for Dallas. However, a more intriguing parallel lies with Sean Payton. In the early 2000s, Payton was viewed as a rising star in the coaching world. Jones’ decision to retain Bill Parcells instead of promoting Payton led to the latter’s departure to the New Orleans Saints, where he went on to become one of the NFL’s elite head coaches. This missed opportunity has reportedly lingered in Jones’ mind, and he may now see Moore as a chance to avoid repeating history.
The allure of hiring Moore extends beyond his achievements. At just 36 years old, he represents a youthful, innovative approach to coaching, reminiscent of Payton’s early appeal. While Moore’s potential as a head coach remains unproven, Jones may be willing to take a calculated risk, betting on the upside of a fresh perspective over a more seasoned but potentially less dynamic candidate.
When Moore left Dallas in 2023, McCarthy was riding the momentum of consecutive 12-5 seasons and a playoff victory over Tampa Bay. The decision to maintain continuity with McCarthy made sense at the time, much like sticking with Parcells did in 2006. However, the cost of that decision was losing a promising coach who could have shaped the franchise’s future.
Though no one can guarantee Moore will achieve the same level of success as Payton, his résumé and potential suggest he could become a transformative figure for the Cowboys. Jerry Jones, reflecting on past decisions, may see Moore as the opportunity to bring back a homegrown talent and secure the long-term leadership the franchise has sought since its glory days. By reuniting with Moore, Jones might just be ensuring that this time, the bright young mind doesn’t slip through his fingers.
With the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching position still up for grabs, Moore’s candidacy is a compelling storyline. If hired, he would become only the 10th head coach in the team’s history, a testament to Jones’ belief in his potential and the lessons learned from the missed chance with Sean Payton.
