The Dallas Cowboys have sought permission to interview Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, as they begin their search for a new head coach to replace Mike McCarthy, according to an insider with knowledge of the situation.
The team is also looking to speak with two former NFL head coaches, Robert Saleh and Leslie Frazier, to gauge their interest in the position, as the source revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the team’s policy against disclosing interview plans publicly.
Moore has a strong connection to the Cowboys, having served as Dak Prescott’s play-caller for four seasons, including three after McCarthy took over the head coaching role in 2020. The Cowboys officially ended their five-year relationship with McCarthy earlier this week.
The Cowboys have the opportunity to conduct virtual meetings with Moore before the Eagles conclude their playoff run, although there will be some limitations concerning the duration of these discussions. The Eagles, who have secured the NFC East title, are set to compete against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round this upcoming Sunday.
“(I) have plenty of relationships in that place,” Moore remarked, reflecting on his time with the Cowboys. “I’ve had so much fun here. It’s been a really fun process, and we’re in a really special situation right now, getting the chance to play this Sunday, having a chance to make a run at this thing, and that’s really all you worry about. Everything else is what it is, and we’ll see where it takes you.”
Saleh was let go by the New York Jets earlier in the season after a challenging start to his fourth year as head coach, following a successful period as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. Recently, the 49ers have shown interest in bringing him back for the same role.
Frazier wrapped up his initial season as assistant head coach in Seattle under Mike Macdonald. He previously led the Minnesota Vikings for three complete seasons after taking over mid-year in 2010. Like Saleh, Frazier has a background in defense, having worked as a defensive coordinator for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills following his tenure with the Vikings.
Moore became part of the Cowboys as a quarterback in 2015, stepping in as Prescott’s backup in 2017 before transitioning to a coaching role shortly after his retirement. In 2019, he took over play-calling responsibilities for the Cowboys during Jason Garrett’s final season. McCarthy, who had previously called plays for the Packers and led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2010, opted to retain Moore as his offensive leader but later replaced him when he resumed play-calling duties in 2023.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has also informally connected with Deion Sanders, the Colorado head coach and Hall of Fame cornerback who notably contributed to the franchise’s last Super Bowl win during the 1995 season.
Jason Witten, an illustrious tight end with 11 Pro Bowl selections and numerous franchise records, has emerged as another candidate for consideration. He currently serves as head coach at a private high school in the Dallas area.
Additionally, Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn might be a name to watch for the Cowboys’ head coaching search. A former Texas A&M player, Glenn played for the Cowboys later in his 15-year NFL career. Meanwhile, the Lions, who have clinched the top seed in the NFC, are preparing to host Washington in the divisional round on Saturday.
