The Dallas Cowboys announced on Sunday night they are moving on from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and he has already landed with the Los Angeles Chargers in the same role.
Moore replaces Joe Lombardi, who was fired after two seasons as the offensive coordinator in Los Angeles.
Lombardi’s unit finished as one of the best in the league in 2021 but regressed in its second season under his watch. The passing offense has remained stellar, but the rushing offense has ranked in the bottom third of the league in both seasons.
Moore spent four seasons as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, and his offenses were consistently among the best in the league (when healthy) and had a top-ten rushing attack three times but struggled in the playoffs.
The Cowboys announced six other coaching departures last week, and head coach Mike McCarthy was non-committal when asked about Moore’s future in a press conference after the team had announced those moves.
“My evaluation process is still going on,” he told the media on Thursday. “Kellen Moore, just like the rest of the coaches, will be evaluated. All the coaches will be evaluated.”
Moore had interviewed with the Carolina Panthers for their head coaching position this offseason and had additional interest from teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars in recent years.
The team will look for a new offensive coordinator, but McCarthy will be the primary play-caller. Dallas has also dismissed quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, making eight coaching staff changes since the season ended.
McCarthy released statements on Moore and Nussmeier shortly after the moves were announced.
“After continuing through our end-of-season process and having additional discussion, Kellen and the Cowboys reached a mutual decision to part ways,” McCarthy remarked.
He continued, “I want to thank Kellen for his deep commitment, hard work, and dedication that were a core part of his time with the Cowboys. The production of our offense and his mentorship of Dak were at the center of Kellen’s impact and we are grateful for his tenure and leadership.”
“We wish Kellen and his wife, Julie, and their family the absolute best as they set out on the next chapter of their lives.”
“We also wish Doug and his wife, Christi, and their family the best,” McCarthy added on Nussmeier.
“Doug is a consummate professional and brought a level of football insight, enthusiasm, and focus to work every day that helped everyone he worked with during his time here with the Cowboys perform at a high level.”
The Chargers were one of several teams to inquire about Moore’s services, and his hiring has drawn many positive reviews, including from former Cowboy Dez Bryant.
Moore takes over a Chargers’ offense with a true franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, a top-end starting running back in Austin Ekeler, and All-Pro-caliber receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams already in place.
The Chargers made the playoffs and lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a historic comeback during wild-card weekend.
