The Unbreakable Bond Between the Dallas Cowboys and Kellen Moore

A Legacy in Dallas It doesn’t matter what happens in the future—the Dallas Cowboys and Kellen Moore will always be connected. Between 2015 and 2022, Moore played quarterback and later transitioned into a coaching role, eventually becoming the team’s offensive coordinator. Even when Mike McCarthy replaced Jason Garrett as head coach, Moore remained on staff, calling plays for the Cowboys. His tenure in Dallas earned him immense respect from Jerry Jones and the Cowboys organization.

Now, Moore is stepping into a new role as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, and his departure only adds to the pressure mounting in Dallas after their latest coaching decision.

The Controversial Coaching Search During their recent head coaching search, the Cowboys conducted a virtual interview with Moore, who was considered one of the top candidates for the position. However, the meeting was surprisingly brief, lasting well under the three-hour limit allowed by NFL rules. The abrupt ending left many questioning what went wrong.

Reports suggest that the Cowboys were not fully convinced of Moore’s ability to command a locker room. Regardless of the reasoning, the team ultimately moved in a different direction, leading to one of the most controversial hires in recent Cowboys history.

Brian Schottenheimer: A Surprising Choice One week after parting ways with Moore, the Cowboys named Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. The decision was met with skepticism, as the front office conducted a limited search before finalizing the hire. While Jerry Jones described the search as “thorough” during Schottenheimer’s introductory press conference, the lack of interest from other teams in hiring Schottenheimer as a head coach raised eyebrows across the league.

The Cowboys interviewed only four candidates before settling on Schottenheimer, leaving many to wonder if the decision was rushed. The move has drawn comparisons to past coaching decisions, with critics speculating whether this will be another misstep for a franchise that has struggled to reach the pinnacle of success for decades.

Pressure Mounts in Dallas The pressure on Schottenheimer is undeniable, especially considering the recent success of former Cowboys staff members elsewhere. Dan Quinn, who previously served as Dallas’ defensive coordinator, led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game in his first season. Meanwhile, Moore played a pivotal role as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, helping them secure a Super Bowl victory in just his second year away from Dallas.

If Moore finds similar success in New Orleans, it will further highlight a troubling pattern for the Cowboys—coaches and players thriving elsewhere while Dallas continues to fall short. This scenario could serve as a harsh reminder that the problem may not be the individuals who leave but rather the organization itself.

A Team Built to Win? Despite the doubts surrounding Schottenheimer, he has the tools to succeed. The Cowboys boast an impressive roster featuring stars like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. Additionally, their young and promising offensive line provides a solid foundation for success. However, Schottenheimer will need more than just talent on the field—he will require strong support from the front office.

For years, the Cowboys have taken a conservative approach to roster building, often failing to make the aggressive moves necessary to elevate the team to championship contention. If they continue down this path, it could hinder Schottenheimer’s ability to lead Dallas to success.

Another One That Got Away? If Moore thrives in New Orleans, he will join a growing list of coaches who found success after leaving Dallas. The Cowboys once let Sean Payton walk, only to watch him build a dynasty with the Saints. Now, Dan Quinn is proving himself as a top-tier head coach, revitalizing a struggling Commanders franchise. The question remains: Will Kellen Moore be next?

Only time will tell whether Moore’s departure will come back to haunt the Cowboys. But if history is any indication, Dallas may once again find itself wondering what could have been.