In a move that will undoubtedly spark excitement and debate, Washington State is set to welcome a familiar name back to the coaching staff. Sources reveal that Missouri's offensive coordinator, Kirby Moore, is poised to become the next head coach of Washington State. But this isn't just any hire; it's a homecoming of sorts.
Kirby Moore, a native of Prosser, Washington, has deep roots in the state's football scene. He played high school football in Washington and later followed in his older brother's footsteps, Kellen Moore, who is now the coach of the New Orleans Saints. The brothers' connection to Washington State football runs deep, and Kirby's hiring adds another layer to this intriguing story.
At 35 years old, Kirby Moore has already made significant strides in his coaching career. He spent the last three seasons at Missouri, but his journey began at Boise State, where he played as a wide receiver from 2009 to 2013, overlapping with his brother Kellen for two seasons. After hanging up his cleats, Moore seamlessly transitioned into coaching, spending 2017 to 2022 at Fresno State under the mentorship of Jeff Tedford and Kalen DeBoer. His success there, including winning the Mountain West as an offensive coordinator in 2022, led him to Missouri.
The Tigers' recent success is a testament to Moore's coaching prowess. Since his arrival, Missouri has posted impressive records, including an 11-win season in 2023 with a Cotton Bowl victory and a solid 10-3 season the following year. This season, despite a few setbacks, the Tigers rank highly in rushing and third-down offense in the SEC. And here's where it gets interesting: Washington State is bringing Moore back to his roots, but he's returning to a very different Pac-12 landscape.
The Cougars are in a period of transition, with a 6-6 record this year and the recent departure of head coach Jimmy Rogers to Iowa State after just one season. Kirby Moore steps into a program that will soon be part of a revamped Pac-12, welcoming five Mountain West schools, including his alma mater Boise State, and Texas State from the Sun Belt. This expansion will undoubtedly impact the dynamics of the conference.
But what does this hire mean for Washington State's future? Will Kirby Moore's homecoming spark a new era of success for the Cougars? Or will the challenges of a changing conference landscape prove too much? The hiring of Kirby Moore is a bold move, and it will undoubtedly stir conversation among fans and critics alike. What do you think? Is this the right move for Washington State, or should they have looked elsewhere? Share your thoughts below!
