NFL insider reveals how Kellen Moore to Chargers unfolded

The Cowboys called the departure of Kellen Moore a “mutual decision” on Sunday night and the very rapid transition for Moore from Dallas offensive coordinator to L.A. Chargers coordinator shows just how mutual that move really was.

On The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that Moore and the Chargers had been in discussions “for a while.” The former Cowboys coordinator interviewed with the Panthers for their open head coaching position. However, talks with the Chargers were much less publicized.

“I think they had something in place for a while and my understanding is, is that — when Mike McCarthy talked about Kellen Moore’s future last week, like, this was a mutual kind of thing where Kellen Moore, I think, was looking to break out on his own as much as the Cowboys might have been interested in making a change,” Schefter shared.

“I think he just felt like it was time to make a change and obviously, the Chargers have been out there looking for an offensive coordinator, need somebody to help groom and continue to improve Justin Herbert, made sense for both sides. And so, when they officially parted ways yesterday, which was coming anyway, then obviously, it sets things in motion and paves the way for him to go to Los Angeles.”

Now, instead of coaching up Dak Prescott, Moore will be working with 2020 first-round draft pick Justin Herbert. Herbert recently underwent surgery for a torn labrum but his return timeline puts him back on the field in time for training camp.

Cowboys part ways with OC, former QB Kellen Moore

Moore took over the Dallas Cowboys offense in 2019, leading 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.

Moore, once a standout at Boise State, began his coaching career in the NFL with Dallas after serving as a player-mentor for Prescott during the 2015 season. He took over the quarterbacks room in 2018 before moving into the offensive coordinator role in Jason Garrett’s final season with the team.

After Mike McCarthy became the new Dallas head coach, he retained Moore as his offensive coordinator. The duo reached 12-win regular seasons in 2021 and 2022, but first-round and second-round exits from the playoffs fell below expectations.

McCarthy issued a statement on Moore’s departure from the Cowboys organization on Sunday night.

“After continuing through our end of season review process and having additional discussion, Kellen and the Cowboys reached a mutual decision to part ways. I want to thank Kellen for his deep commitment, hard work and dedication that were a core part of his time with the Cowboys,” McCarthy said.

“The production of our offense and his mentorship of Dak (Prescott) 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.”