The Dallas Cowboys’ unexpected decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as the new head coach has left Kellen Moore out of the picture. This move has reportedly left Moore feeling both surprised and disappointed.
The Cowboys decided to promote Schottenheimer, their current offensive coordinator, over Moore, who was one of four candidates interviewed for the position. So why this decision? There are reportedly three main factors:
1 – Moore is currently coaching the NFC Championship Game with the Eagles, and while some have speculated that Jerry and Stephen Jones didn’t want to wait longer to make their choice, this reasoning has been considered somewhat unfounded.
2 – Moore is known for his “professorial” coaching style, which Dallas is very familiar with after his successful tenure under Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy. His interview was reportedly well-organized and smart, though it lacked the intense, “drill sergeant” energy that some might have expected.
3 – This decision has left Moore as stunned as many are by Schottenheimer’s unexpected promotion. Multiple sources report that Moore was eager for the job and felt confident it was his to take.
Both Schottenheimer, 52, and Moore, 36, are without head coaching experience.
However, both have strong ties to the Cowboys, and either would have provided some level of continuity and familiarity for Dak Prescott, which was a key consideration for the Jones family.
Jerry Jones made a point of stating that Schottenheimer, now 52, is no longer just an assistant, but the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, Moore is still seen as a “career assistant.”
At this point, while Moore remains a candidate for the New Orleans Saints head coaching role, his biggest competition might be none other than the Cowboys’ own Mike McCarthy.