In a move that’s turned a lot of heads in college football, Washington State University has named Kirby Moore its new head football coach. The Cougars are gearing up for a new era in the fiercely competitive Pac-12 conference.
Moore’s signed on for five years. He’s got plenty of experience and a knack for getting results. The official intro? That’s set for December 16 at a press conference.
Kirby Moore: The Right Fit for Washington State
Jon Haarlow, the university’s Interim Director of Athletics, didn’t hide his confidence in Moore. He pointed out Moore’s creative offensive mind and his real commitment to developing student-athletes as people, not just players.
Moore’s roots run deep in eastern Washington. He grew up there and already knows the ins and outs of Washington State University. That kind of familiarity just feels right for this job.
Moore’s Strong Ties to Eastern Washington
Kirby Moore’s connection to the region is about as authentic as it gets. He grew up in Prosser, Washington, with a father, Tom Moore, who coached football at Prosser High and became something of a local legend.
That family legacy? It’s expected to click with the community and the players alike.
Proven Track Record of Success
Moore’s been coaching for over ten years, and he’s shown he knows how to develop talent and win games. Most recently, he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Missouri.
Success at the University of Missouri
In 2025, Moore helped Missouri to an 8-4 season and a spot in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Virginia. Sophomore running back Ahmed Hardy thrived under Moore, leading the nation in rushing per game and picking up First-Team All-America honors from several big-name outlets.
Quarterback Brady Cook also made big strides with Moore’s guidance. Cook’s numbers and on-field leadership were a huge part of Missouri’s success.
Elevating Missouri’s Offensive Performance
Missouri’s offense really took off with Moore calling the shots. The Tigers improved in third-down conversions, red zone efficiency, and total offense—pretty much all the areas that matter.
In 2023, they became the only team in the country with a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,500-yard rusher, and a 1,000-yard receiver in one season. That’s not something you see every year.
Previous Coaching Experience
Before Missouri, Moore was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Fresno State. His time there brought a Mountain West Conference championship and a win in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl.
Achievements at Fresno State
Moore’s play-calling at Fresno State was creative and gutsy. The Bulldogs led the Mountain West in both scoring and total offense.
He helped develop quarterback Jake Haener, wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper, and running back Jordan Mims—each earning All-MWC honors. The Bulldogs’ turnaround in 2022, finishing 10-4 after starting 1-4, says a lot about Moore’s ability to rally a team.
Early Coaching Career and Playing Experience
Moore started out as a wide receivers coach at the College of Idaho in 2014. Later, he moved to the University of Washington as an offensive graduate assistant, where he was part of the 2016 Pac-12 Championship squad that made the College Football Playoffs.
Playing Career at Boise State
As a player, Moore was a standout wide receiver at Boise State. He helped the Broncos to a 45-8 record, with several bowl wins and conference titles along the way.
That playing experience? It clearly influences how he coaches now.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Cougar Football
Washington State University President Elizabeth Cantwell shared her excitement about Moore joining the program. She highlighted his drive to win and his focus on helping student-athletes succeed in all aspects of life.
Moore’s eager to get started. He talked about continuing the proud Cougar football tradition and aiming for championships. With his background and energy, it feels like Washington State football could be in for something special.
Conclusion
Kirby Moore is stepping in as the new head football coach at Washington State University. This feels like the start of a genuinely fresh era for the Cougars.
He’s got real connections to the region and a coaching background that’s tough to ignore. Plus, Moore seems seriously invested in helping student-athletes grow, which counts for a lot around here.
The Cougars are gearing up for the new Pac-12. There’s a sense of optimism—maybe cautious, but still real—about what Moore could bring to the table.
For more details on Kirby Moore’s appointment, check out the official Washington State University announcement.
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