On Thursday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers gave their gold medal to Frank Reich—naming him their new and sixth full-time head coach in franchise history. So, who got the silver?
According to Kellen Moore, it was Kellen Moore.
Panthers beat writer Sheena Quick reported that the 34-year-old offensive coordinator told his current employer, the Dallas Cowboys, that the job came down to him and Reich. Oh, and it’s also worth mentioning that Moore may not have a current employer pretty soon—as Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will be meeting with his play caller for an evaluation.
Per sources, Kellen Moore himself shared with the Cowboys that the Panthers HC job was between himself and Frank Reich. #KeepPounding
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) January 27, 2023
This would mean that owner David Tepper and his search committee preferred Moore over Steve Wilks, who was presumed as the first of two finalists for the vacancy. Wilks—in his impressive 12-game run as the team’s interim head coach this past season—quickly became a player and fan favorite for his honest and inspirational style of leadership.
But, given Tepper’s longstanding interest in an offensive-minded coach, this wouldn’t be the most shocking of developments. Moore’s reported placement just speaks to where the NFL has been going and, in a more cynical thought, could just be a sell job from the man himself to keep his stock from plummeting.
