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Cowboys' Mike McCarthy Says Kellen Moore Will Be Evaluated, Doesn't Guarantee Return

Tyler Conway

The Dallas Cowboys let go six assistant coaches Thursday, and they may not be finished.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is in the process of being "evaluated" and is not guaranteed to return for the 2023 season.

"I really don't want to play this game today," McCarthy told reporters. "It's been a long couple of days. Kellen Moore, just like the rest of the coaches, will be evaluated. Every coach will be evaluated. The evaluations, it takes more than one day."

Moore interviewed for the Carolina Panthers' head-coaching vacancy that went to Frank Reich and has consistently had Dallas ranking among the NFL's best offenses since taking over as offensive coordinator in 2019.

The Cowboys previously announced the departures of assistant head coach Rob Davis, senior defensive assistant George Edwards, assistant defensive line coach Leon Lett, running backs coach Skip Peete, offensive line coach Joe Philbin and quality control analytics coach Kyle Valero.

Seemingly the only assistant coach who is safe heading into next season is defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who informed the Cowboys he plans to return in 2023 despite significant head-coaching interest. Quinn is one of the NFL's highest-paid assistant coaches after receiving a significant raise a year ago to stay under McCarthy.

"We're all extremely excited to have Dan back," McCarthy told reporters. "Had a chance to visit with him a short while ago. This is big for us. Gives us continuity, definitely what we've accomplished the last two years, building off of that. Frankly, on a personal note, I can't tell you how thankful I am."

The Cowboys have led the NFL in yardage in two of Moore's four seasons as offensive coordinator but did dip to 11th this season. Dak Prescott also took a major step back as a passer, throwing a career-high 15 interceptions and then throwing two more in Dallas' Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

The offense also clearly missed the presence of Amari Cooper, whose production was not replicated after being traded to Cleveland last March. Michael Gallup struggled in his return from a torn ACL, leaving the Cowboys without a reliable second wideout behind CeeDee Lamb. No Cowboys pass-catcher besides Lamb reached 600 receiving yards.

It's possible McCarthy, who may be on the hot seat in 2023, will want to move on from Moore and take over the play-calling duties himself. McCarthy called plays throughout his tenure in Green Bay and inherited Moore after taking over for Jason Garrett in 2020.

   

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