McCarthy, Moore difference in philosophy in part led to Moore’s departure

One of the most surprising moves of the offseason so far was the reported mutual parting of ways by the Dallas Cowboys and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Not only was Moore beloved by the Jones family and the organization, but he is one of the league’s most respected young offensive minds.

Earlier this offseason, Moore left the Cowboys to become the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, teaming up with young star quarterback Justin Herbert. This move leaves head coach Mike McCarthy the play-calling duties, which he will reportedly embrace. McCarthy says his new voice calling plays will help Dak Prescott going forward.

“We all can use a sense of motivation and challenge and so forth,” McCarthy said at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. “This is a new challenge for him.”

McCarthy brought up that he and Moore had a difference of opinion on the offense, which did not necessarily translate to animosity, but a difference was definitely present. Moore had reportedly wanted to be more aggressive with the offense, whereas McCarthy wanted to be a bit more conservative and run the football more.

“Kellen wants to light the scoreboard up, but I want to run the damn ball so I can rest my defense,” McCarthy continued. “I think when you’re a coordinator, you’re in charge of the offense. Being a head coach and being a play caller, you’re a little more in tune with [everything]. I don’t have the desire to be the No. 1 offense in the league. I want to be the No. 1 team in the league with a number of wins and a championship. And we’ve got to give up some production and take care of the ball better to get that, then that’s what we’ll do, because we have a really good defense.”

McCarthy called plays for the majority of his tenure with the Green Bay Packers but allowed Moore to hold on to that responsibility once arriving in Dallas because he did not want to stint Prescott’s development. Prescott was tied for the league lead in interceptions last season with 15 despite missing five games early in the season.

The Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer as their new offensive coordinator under McCarthy after serving as a consultant for the team last year.