Los Angeles Chargers to interview offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for head coaching job

The Los Angeles Chargers will interview offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for their open head coaching job, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Moore, who just wrapped up his first season as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, has previously interviewed for head coaching jobs around the league.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and coordinator led the Los Angeles offense to a 25th-place finish in points scored per game this season with 20.4 ppg. The Chargers’ 5-12 record this season included wins against the Vikings, Raiders, Bears, Jets and Patriots.

Although Moore will get an interview with his current team for the top job, it seems unlikely that they’ll give him the promotion. After firing Brandon Staley, the front office gave the interim job to long-time assistant Giff Smith, the OLB coach.

As offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, a job he took over in 2019, Moore led the team to top six finishes in points per game in three of four seasons as offensive coordinator. The Cowboys also finished No. 1 in yards per game in 2021 and 2019. Dallas and head coach Mike McCarthy opted to send the O.C. packing after the 2022 season in favor of calling plays himself.

Chargers move on from Staley after three seasons

The Los Angeles Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley last month before the end of the regular season. He took over in 2021 and spent three seasons in the role. The team also moved on from general manager Tom Telesco.

Staley, 41, had a 24-24 record during his time in Los Angeles, and he only had one playoff appearance under his belt. His tenure started with a 9-8 mark in 2021 and he made his first playoff appearance in 2022 with a 10-7 record. That put the Chargers in the AFC Wild Card game, and they led the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-0 at one point.

However, that lead eventually evaporated, and Los Angeles eventually fell 31-30. That sent Staley into his third season with some criticism, and it didn’t seem to slow down considering the Chargers’ struggles — particularly on defense. At the time of his firing, the defense was 29th in the league in total yards and passing yards allowed.

The Chargers are now joined by the Panthers, Commanders and Falcons in their searches for new leadership.