Now that the dust has finally settled—and the sting of Jimmy Rodgers bolting for Ames has faded from “gut punch” to “mild heartburn”—it’s officially time to look forward. And with that comes the arrival of the 36th head coach in Washington State history: Kirby Moore.
Yes, this hire may have caught some of us off guard. And yes, it’s fair to have questions. But there are also plenty of reasons to be genuinely excited about the direction of the program. Let’s dive in.
Who Is Kirby Moore?
Age: 35
Hometown: Prosser, WA
Playing Career: Boise State WR, State 2A Player of the Year
Fun Fact: Brother of former Boise State superstar QB and current NFL head coach Kellen Moore — football IQ basically runs in the family’s bloodstream.
Coaching Experience
2014: College of Idaho — WR Coach
2015–2016: Washington — Graduate Assistant / Offensive Staff
2017–2019: Fresno State — WR Coach
2020–2021: Fresno State — WR Coach / Passing Game Coordinator
2022: Fresno State — Offensive Coordinator / QB Coach
2023–2025: Missouri — Offensive Coordinator / QB Coach
Moore’s rise through the coaching ranks has been rapid—and earned. He’s coached at nearly every level of Division I football and has succeeded at each stop, showing adaptability and an ability to elevate talent.
Last season at Missouri, his offense ranked 27th nationally in total yardage (429 YPG) and a remarkable 8th in rushing offense (234 YPG). In other words: this man can scheme.
Reasons to Feel Optimistic
🔥 He brings youth, energy, and regional ties.
A 35-year-old head coach with deep roots in Washington and instant name recognition is the exact kind of spark WSU’s donor base and recruiting footprint can benefit from.
🔥 His offenses produce—everywhere.
There’s a reason he climbed so quickly. Fresno State? Productive. Missouri? One of the most balanced, dangerous attacks in the SEC. He’s earned universal respect for his football mind.
🔥 He understands QB play at an elite level.
Coaching quarterbacks at this stage of college football is an art form, and Moore has proven he can elevate the position—something WSU absolutely needs in the new Pac structure.
Reasons for Cautious Optimism
⚠️ He’s never been a head coach.
This is the big one. Most great head coaches started exactly here—in their first opportunity—and some learn on the job. The challenge will be staff management, culture building, and program oversight, which are very different from coordinating an offense.
⚠️ His system is run-heavy.
WSU fans aren’t used to a ground-first identity since Jerome Harrison was carving up defenses. Recruiting and developing offensive linemen will be critical. But hey, imagine Pullman with a bully-ball rushing attack—it could be fun.
⚠️ The success paradox.
If Moore is the rising star many think he is, and he pops immediately, we could find ourselves right back in another coaching search. On the flip side, if he struggles early, we don’t have the financial artillery to pivot quickly. It’s the tightrope every WSU coach walks.
Final Grade: C+ (and that’s a good thing)
Same grade I give nearly every coaching hire: promising, but unproven. A C+ doesn’t mean “bad”—it means wait and see, which is exactly what any honest evaluation should be for a first-time head coach.
There’s plenty to like, plenty to be hopeful about, and plenty that will reveal itself in year one.
Either way—Go Cougs.