In a move that has fans buzzing, Washington State is set to bring home one of their own as the new head coach. Kirby Moore, a local talent with an impressive football background, is expected to take the reins, according to On3's Pete Nakos. But this isn't just any coaching change; it's a story of homecoming and rising stars in the coaching world.
Moore, a native of Prosser, Washington, is no stranger to the state's football scene. After a successful playing career as a receiver at Boise State from 2009 to 2013, he began his coaching journey at the College of Idaho in 2014. And here's where the family connection comes in: Kirby is the younger brother of Kellen Moore, the former Broncos quarterback and current New Orleans Saints head coach. Talk about a football dynasty in the making!
But let's rewind a bit. Before his time at Missouri, Moore spent two years as a graduate assistant at Washington (2015-2016) and then six years at Fresno State, working his way up from receivers coach to offensive coordinator. And this is the part that caught Washington State's attention: In 2023, he became the offensive coordinator at Missouri, where his strategic mind and leadership skills truly shined. His annual salary skyrocketed to $1.5 million ahead of the 2024 season, a testament to his value.
Under Moore's guidance, Missouri's offense flourished. In 2023, they boasted the SEC's fifth-ranked total offense and sixth-ranked scoring offense, averaging an impressive 434.3 yards and 32.5 points per game. But here's where it gets controversial: Some might argue that this success was largely due to superstar running back Ahmad Hardy. However, in 2025, even without Hardy, Moore's offense still ranked sixth in the SEC for both total and scoring offense, averaging 429.3 yards and 32.2 points per game.
Now, Moore is set to replace Jimmy Rogers, who recently departed for Iowa State after a brief but impactful tenure at Washington State. This coaching carousel is a testament to the dynamic nature of college football. It leaves fans wondering: Is Kirby Moore the right choice to lead Washington State to new heights? Will he be able to replicate his offensive prowess in a new setting? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this hire has the potential to be a game-changer for the program.
What do you think about Washington State's decision to hire Kirby Moore? Is he the right fit for the role, or should they have considered other candidates? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a friendly debate!
