Kirby Moore's appointment as the new head football coach at Washington State University has sparked a range of reactions and opinions. Here's a curated selection of what people are saying about the former Missouri offensive coordinator:
Praise for Kirby Moore's Coaching Abilities and Character
Chris Petersen, former Boise State and UW head coach: "WSU just hired an outstanding person. Kirby Moore has the intelligence, temperament, and character to be an excellent head coach. He comes from a wonderful football family and always seemed a step ahead when it came to strategy and tactics of the game. I have known Kirby for many years and have had the pleasure of watching him grow into an exceptional coach."
Bruce Amundson, WSU Murrow Hall of Famer and major athletics donor: "Initially, I was concerned that we had set ourselves up for another one-and-done coach by hiring another young up-and-comer. In my mind, I was looking for someone who could potentially provide more stability. But the more I look at the hire, the more excited I'm becoming."
WSU President Betsy Cantwell: "Coach Moore is the real deal, and exactly who we needed to propel us to the top of the new Pac-12. Our student-athletes have lucked out. This man cares deeply not only about winning but also their success on and off the field."
Moore's Impact at Missouri
Zach Sweet, Columbia Missourian: "Moore played a major role in shaping Missouri's offense during a stretch that included an 11-win season, a Cotton Bowl victory, and the rise of multiple star players."
Chris Vannini and Bruce Feldman, The Athletic: "Since Moore arrived at Missouri, the Tigers are 29-9, including an 11-win season in 2023 with a Cotton Bowl victory and a 10-3 season last year. This year's team is 8-4, in part due to quarterback Beau Pribula missing a month of the season with an ankle injury. But the Tigers were No. 1 in rushing in the SEC and fourth in third-down offense."
Mike McDaniel, SI.com: "Despite a rotating door at quarterback this season, Missouri managed to rank 27th nationally in total offense, averaging 429.3 yards per game. The Tigers also held the 32nd-ranked scoring offense in the FBS, averaging 32.2 points per game under Moore's direction."
Moore's Connection to the Region
Mike Vorel, The Seattle Times: "This state, and this sport, are both in his blood. None of which means he'll succeed as the next head coach at Washington State. But the Cougs needed someone who understands the state and can inject pride and passion into a program rocked by realignment."
Dave Boling, The Spokesman-Review: "From the outside, Friday's hiring of the former Missouri offensive coordinator looks like a victory for the Cougars. Especially considering there's a new corps of administrators pulling the levers of power in Pullman, they got it done quickly, without any unproductive flirtations and rejections coming to light."
Questions and Speculations
Nick Geranious, Washington State Standard: "The Washington State University football coach is one of the highest-paid public employees in the state. Yet WSU is bringing aboard its fourth head coach since 2020. The question now is whether Moore's tenure will be different and usher in a new era of stability."
Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri head coach: "We couldn't be happier for Kirby and his family. He has done an excellent job for us, and we are excited to see him get the well-deserved opportunity to run his own program at Washington State. Kirby has an excellent grasp on what it takes to be a successful head coach."
Controversial Interpretation (Optional)
Some fans might argue that Moore's hiring is a strategic move to bring stability and a winning culture to Washington State, given his SEC experience and success at Missouri. Others might question whether his tenure will be long-lasting, given the history of short-term head coaches at WSU.
