Kellen Moore, the Dallas Cowboys’ Offensive Coordinator since 2019, departed the organization in January 2023 following the conclusion of the 2022 season. The separation was officially described as a mutual decision between Moore and the Cowboys hierarchy. His departure was a significant development, as he was a highly-regarded young offensive mind who had overseen one of the league’s top-producing offenses during his four-year tenure. The move immediately generated widespread discussion regarding the underlying factors that led to his exit.
The Context: Performance and Scrutiny After 2022
Moore’s tenure was marked by consistent statistical success, with the Cowboys offense frequently ranking among the National Football League’s elite units. Over his four seasons as coordinator, the team ranked second in the league in both total yards per game (391.0) and scoring (27.7 points per game). The 2022 season specifically saw the team finish fourth in the league in points scored, averaging 27.5 points per game, and 11th in total yards.
Despite these impressive metrics, the offense faced increasing scrutiny for inconsistency and late-season shortcomings. The 2022 regular season was marred by quarterback Dak Prescott tying for the league lead in interceptions, a regression that drew criticism toward the offensive scheme. The ultimate catalyst for the change was the team’s disappointing exit from the playoffs in the divisional round against the San Francisco 49ers.
The 19-12 playoff loss magnified concerns about the offense’s ability to perform under pressure, culminating in a widely criticized final play-call. This disappointing end to a 12-win season amplified the internal and external pressure surrounding the offensive coordinator position. The perception solidified that, despite the statistical output, the offense was not translating its talent into deep postseason success.
Internal Dynamics: McCarthy Takes Over Play-Calling
The primary organizational factor that pushed Moore out was Head Coach Mike McCarthy’s decision to assume offensive play-calling duties for the 2023 season. This announcement effectively signaled a philosophical shift and a major reduction in Kellen Moore’s role and authority. McCarthy, who had Super Bowl-winning experience calling plays with his previous team, felt a change was necessary to take the franchise to the next level.
McCarthy publicly voiced a desire to establish a more balanced, run-oriented offensive approach focused on complementary football and controlling the clock. He noted that Moore’s philosophy was geared toward “lighting the scoreboard up,” while his own priority was to “run the damn ball” to rest the defense and win the time-of-possession battle. This expressed divergence in offensive principles between the head coach and the coordinator made Moore’s continued presence untenable in a play-calling capacity.
Executive Vice President Stephen Jones confirmed that Moore’s vision did not fully align with the direction McCarthy sought for the offense. Although the separation was labeled as mutual, McCarthy taking over the coordinator’s most significant responsibility effectively demoted Moore. His departure was the logical outcome of a new power structure that no longer suited his career trajectory.
The New Opportunity: Why the Chargers Were Appealing
Kellen Moore quickly found a new landing spot, accepting the Offensive Coordinator position with the Los Angeles Chargers the day after his separation from Dallas was announced. This rapid move highlighted the high demand for his services and the immediate appeal of the Chargers organization. The new role offered Moore a fresh start and the assurance of full play-calling autonomy, which he had lost in Dallas.
The most significant professional draw was the opportunity to work closely with quarterback Justin Herbert, one of the league’s most talented young passers. Moore’s reputation as a creative, aggressive, and adaptive play-caller made him an ideal fit to maximize Herbert’s potential within an explosive offense. The Chargers specifically sought Moore’s expertise to address their previous season’s struggles with the running game and overall offensive consistency.
For Moore, this move represented a clear step toward his ultimate goal of becoming a head coach, as the Chargers job provided a high-profile stage with elite offensive personnel. The chance to design and lead an offense featuring players like Herbert, Keenan Allen, and Austin Ekeler allowed Moore to maintain the aggressive, pass-heavy scheme he favored. This opportunity provided a better professional fit compared to the diminished role he faced in Dallas.