Kellen Moore doesn’t appear to be getting a new job in 2022. After the Miami Dolphins chose Mike McDaniel over him in their head coaching search, Moore is now expected to return as the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator.
Like Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn, Kellen was a hot name in coaching searches over the last two months. But while Moore did get a second interview with Miami as a finalist, the Dolphins ultimately went with McDaniel after his one season as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator.
Quinn was once considered a favorite for the Denver Broncos’ opening and interviewed with other teams, but earlier this week pulled his name from any other possibilities and declared he was returning to Dallas in 2022.
Cowboys OC Kellen Moore was a finalist, per reports. McDaniel's hiring clears way for Kellen to return. Eliminates question of continuity in offensive system for Dak Prescott. https://t.co/VjBooaboEy
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) February 6, 2022
While there is a strong majority happy to see Quinn back next season, response to Moore’s return will no doubt be more mixed among Cowboys fans. While Dallas ranked first in total yards and scoring this year, and where near the top in many other offensive categories, lackluster performances against top competition and a first-round playoff loss remain hard to swallow.
Moore’s return will give continuity to Dak Prescott, Zack Martin, CeeDee Lamb, and other key players. But with several free agents like Michael Gallup, Dalton Schultz, Cedrick Wilson, and Connor Williams plus potential cap casualties in Amari Cooper and Tyron Smith, there could still be plenty of change on offense.
Whatever comes on the roster, we now know that it will still be Kellen Moore’s offense. Hopefully personnel changes and lessons learned from last year will help Moore and the Cowboys achieve more than just another division title in 2022.
