In a move that's sure to shake up the college football world, Washington State is making a bold play by hiring Missouri's offensive coordinator Kirby Moore as its new head coach. But here's where it gets intriguing: Moore, a Washington native and the younger brother of New Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore, is stepping into a role that could redefine the Cougars' trajectory. At just 35, Moore brings a fresh perspective and a proven track record of success, having played a pivotal role in Missouri's recent triumphs, including an 11-win season in 2023 capped by a Cotton Bowl victory. But is this hire a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
Moore’s journey to this point is as fascinating as it is impressive. A Prosser, Washington, native, he followed in his older brother’s footsteps, playing for their father, Tom, at Prosser High School before heading to Boise State. As a wide receiver for the Broncos from 2009 to 2013, he even overlapped with Kellen for two seasons. Transitioning seamlessly into coaching after his playing days, Moore honed his craft at Fresno State from 2017 to 2022 under the mentorship of Jeff Tedford and Kalen DeBoer. His breakthrough came in 2022 when, as offensive coordinator, he helped Fresno State clinch the Mountain West title before moving to Missouri.
At Missouri, Moore’s impact was immediate. Since his arrival, the Tigers have gone 29-9, showcasing a dominant rushing attack that ranked No. 1 in the SEC this year, along with a fourth-place finish in third-down offense. Even with quarterback Beau Pribula sidelined for a month due to injury, Moore’s offensive schemes kept the team competitive, finishing 8-4 this season. But can he replicate this success at Washington State, a program in the midst of a conference overhaul?
The Cougars, currently 6-6 with a bowl game on the horizon, are at a crossroads. Moore steps in to replace Jimmy Rogers, who departed after just one season for Iowa State. Washington State is also navigating the rebirth of the Pac-12, which will expand next season to include five Mountain West schools—including Moore’s alma mater, Boise State—and Texas State from the Sun Belt, restoring it to a full FBS conference. Will this expansion be a boon or a burden for Moore’s tenure?
And this is the part most people miss: Moore’s deep roots in the region and his familiarity with several of the incoming Pac-12 schools could give him a unique edge. Yet, the pressure to deliver results in a rapidly evolving conference will be immense. Is Kirby Moore the right man for the job, or is Washington State setting itself up for a rocky transition? Weigh in below—what do you think about this hire? Does Moore have what it takes to lead the Cougars to new heights, or are there too many variables at play?
