Mike McCarthy Avoiding Key Question Puts Kellen Moore's Role on Cowboys Staff Into Question
The Dallas Cowboys coaching staff entered 2020 in a state of limbo. Jason Garrett wasn't officially let go until Mike McCarthy was hired, and that left an incumbent staff wondering just what their jobs will be next season.
Kellen Moore is one of the more interesting cases. He was the offensive coordinator in 2019 after one season as quarterbacks coach, and Jerry Jones reportedly wants to keep him on the staff. But who will call the plays? That answer was not provided by McCarthy in his introductory press conference.
Oh wow, McCarthy bristled at the "who will call the plays" question. Wouldn't answer, said he'll answer at another time.
— Dave Richard (@daverichard) January 8, 2020
McCarthy would clearly prefer to discuss this key issue with Moore (and Jerry Jones, in all likelihood) in private. But if Moore is supposed to end up calling the plays anyway, McCarthy may have just said that.
Not a good sign for the 31-year-old, at least for now.
More on Cowboys’ HC Mike McCarthy’s staff coming together: Kellen Moore is expected to remain as OC, while John Fassel is expected to be the special-teams coordinator and Jim Tomsula is expected to be D-line coach.https://t.co/NospNZL3fi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2020
Moore staying on as offensive coordinator while not getting the privilege of calling the actual plays isn't exactly a bad thing. If the offense struggles under McCarthy, Moore could easily regain his old responsibilities. It would also boost his stock and other teams could come calling in due time.
Clarity on this situation may not come for months. But McCarthy's initial response seems to indicate Moore will have a different role in 2020, even if he retains his job in name.