Washington State is set to appoint Kirby Moore as its new head coach, following his tenure as offensive coordinator at Missouri. This decision, confirmed by sources involved in the negotiations, marks a significant step for both Moore and the Cougars’ football program.
At just 35 years old, Moore has already made a name for himself in college football, particularly in the past three years at Missouri. A native of Prosser, Washington, he is also the younger brother of Kellen Moore, the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Kirby’s hiring comes in the wake of Jimmy Rogers’ departure to Iowa State after a single season at Washington State.
The Cougars finished the recent season with a 6-6 record, experiencing narrow defeats in critical matchups against Ole Miss, Virginia, and James Madison—all on the road. With a bowl game on the horizon, Moore’s leadership will be pivotal in turning the program’s fortunes around.
Moore’s football journey began at Prosser High School, where he played under their father, Tom Moore. He later transitioned to Boise State, excelling as a wide receiver from 2009 to 2013, during which he briefly played alongside Kellen. Immediately after his playing career, Moore shifted to coaching, starting at Fresno State from 2017 to 2022. Under the mentorship of coaches Jeff Tedford and Kalen DeBoer, he served as offensive coordinator, culminating in a Mountain West Championship victory in 2022 before his move to Missouri.
His recent success at Missouri is notable. The Tigers achieved an impressive 29-9 record during his tenure, featuring an 11-win season coupled with a Cotton Bowl victory in 2023 and a strong 10-3 finish the previous year. This season, Missouri faced injuries, particularly to quarterback Beau Pribula, which impacted their performance, resulting in an 8-4 record. Nevertheless, Kirby Moore’s offensive schemes distinguished the Tigers, leading them to rank first in rushing within the SEC and fourth in third-down conversions.
As he takes the reins at Washington State, Moore will encounter unique challenges—most notably, navigating a newly redesigned Pac-12 that will soon integrate five Mountain West schools, including Boise State and Fresno State, alongside Texas State from the Sun Belt. The expansion promises to reshape the dynamics of the conference, and Moore’s prior familiarity with these programs may provide a strategic advantage as he seeks to elevate the Cougars’ competitive standing.
