Buckle up, football fans—Washington State is shaking things up big time by bringing in a fresh face from a rival conference to lead their program! This move could redefine the Cougars' future in college football, and trust me, there's plenty more intrigue lurking beneath the surface.
Let's dive right in: According to a reliable source close to the talks, the University of Washington State has zeroed in on Kirby Moore, the offensive coordinator for Missouri, as their new head coach. At just 35 years old, Moore brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the region, having grown up in the Pacific Northwest. He's a native of Prosser, Washington, and interestingly, he's the younger sibling of Kellen Moore, who currently holds the reins as head coach of the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. For beginners getting into college football coaching hires, this family dynamic isn't just a fun fact—it's a testament to how legacies in football can run deep, with brothers like the Moores often drawing from similar roots and strategies to build their careers.
Moore steps into this role following Jimmy Rogers, who departed after just one season to take the helm at Iowa State (as detailed in this related article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6866866/2025/12/05/iowa-state-jimmy-rogers-coach-hiring-matt-campbell/). The Cougars wrapped up their 2024 season with a solid 6-6 record, marked by some nail-biting close calls, including narrow defeats on the road against Ole Miss, Virginia, and James Madison. They've still got a bowl game ahead, which could cap off the year on a high note and set the stage for Moore's arrival.
But here's where it gets controversial—some might question if Moore's rapid rise from player to coordinator to head coach at such a young age means he's ready to handle the added pressures of leading a team like Washington State, especially with the Pac-12's recent upheavals.
Like his brother Kellen, Kirby honed his football skills under their father, Tom, at Prosser High School, and then transitioned to college ball at Boise State. From 2009 to 2013, he suited up as a wide receiver for the Broncos, even overlapping for two seasons with Kellen. Right after hanging up his cleats, Moore jumped straight into coaching, a path that's becoming more common among young athletes who see it as a natural extension of their passion. He spent five years at Fresno State (2017-2022), assisting legendary coaches like Jeff Tedford and Kalen DeBoer. His standout moment there? Helping the Bulldogs clinch the Mountain West championship in 2022 while serving as offensive coordinator under Tedford. That success paved the way for his move to Missouri.
Under Moore's guidance at Missouri, the Tigers have thrived with a 29-9 record over the past three seasons. They notched an impressive 11-win campaign in 2023, culminating in a Cotton Bowl triumph, and followed it up with a 10-3 finish last year. This season, despite some setbacks—like quarterback Beau Pribula sidelining for a month due to an ankle issue—the team stands at 8-4. And get this: They've dominated as the SEC's top rushing squad and ranked fourth in third-down efficiency, proving Moore's offensive schemes can deliver big results even when key players are out. For those new to football analytics, third-down offense is all about converting those tricky situations into first downs, which often means the difference between winning drives and stalled ones—Moore's team excels at keeping momentum alive.
And this is the part most people miss: Moore is inheriting a Washington State squad that's part of the newly revitalized Pac-12 conference. Next year, the league expands to include powerhouse additions from the Mountain West, such as Boise State and Fresno State, along with Texas State from the Sun Belt. This shake-up aims to make the Pac-12 a full-fledged FBS conference again, boosting its competitiveness and potentially elevating Washington State's profile. It's a bold step, but critics might argue that adding teams from other conferences could dilute the league's identity or create scheduling headaches—do you think this expansion will strengthen college football or just complicate things further?
What do you make of this hiring? Is Moore the right choice to turn Washington State into a powerhouse, or does his youth and Missouri ties raise red flags? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with this move, or is there a counterpoint I've overlooked? Let's debate!
