In a move that’s sure to shake up the college football coaching landscape, Kirby Moore is bringing a piece of Missouri’s success to Washington State, and it’s not just about strategy—it’s personal. The newly appointed Cougars head coach is making waves by recruiting key members of Eli Drinkwitz’s staff, including tight ends coach Derham Cato, as confirmed by MizzouToday. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Assistant offensive line coach Jack Abercrombie is also joining the fold, signaling Moore’s intent to rebuild Washington State into a powerhouse. And this is the part most people miss: Moore’s roots run deep in the Pacific Northwest, having been born in Prosser, Washington, making this a homecoming of sorts. Yet, his journey from Boise State receiver (2009-2013) to SEC offensive mastermind at Missouri isn’t just a story of success—it’s a blueprint for what he hopes to achieve in Pullman.
At 35, Moore is no stranger to high-pressure roles. As the younger brother of New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore, he’s carved his own path, most recently as Missouri’s offensive coordinator. There, he engineered the SEC’s top-ranked rushing attack in 2025, led by superstar running back Ahmad Hardy. But here’s the controversial angle: Is poaching assistants from a successful program like Missouri a bold strategy or a risky gamble? Some argue it’s a smart move to replicate proven systems, while others question whether it’s sustainable without the same talent pool. What do you think?
Moore steps into the role vacated by Jimmy Rogers, who left after just one season to take the helm at Iowa State. Rogers, who led the Cougars to a 6-6 record in 2025, expressed excitement about his new opportunity, stating, ‘Iowa State has been one of the nation’s top programs for the last decade, and we look forward to building upon its upward trajectory.’ But let’s not forget: Moore’s hiring comes at a pivotal moment for Washington State, a program hungry for consistency and success.
Moore’s coaching journey is as impressive as it is diverse. After a five-year playing career at Boise State, he transitioned into coaching at the College of Idaho in 2014, followed by stints at Washington and Fresno State. His six years at Fresno State, including a promotion to offensive coordinator in 2022, set the stage for his SEC debut at Missouri in 2023. There, he not only boosted his salary to $1.5 million but also elevated the Tigers’ offense to SEC prominence, ranking fifth in total offense and sixth in scoring in 2023. This season, his rushing attack dominated the league, averaging 234.1 yards per game—a testament to his strategic brilliance.
As Moore assembles his staff, the question remains: Can he replicate Missouri’s success in a different conference and with a new set of players? Washington State fans are hopeful, but only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: Kirby Moore’s return to the Pacific Northwest is more than just a coaching change—it’s a story of ambition, strategy, and the pursuit of greatness. What’s your take? Is Moore the right coach to lead the Cougars to victory, or is this move too ambitious? Let us know in the comments!
