Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy made it abundantly clear where he differed in philosophies with former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday.
McCarthy took over as head coach before the start of the 2020 season. The Cowboys ranked 14th in yards gained and 17th in points scored that season and finished 6-10. In 2021, the offense drastically improved as they finished first in points scored and yards gained. The offense didn’t slow down much despite Dak Prescott’s injury to start the 2022 season, as Dallas was fourth in points scored and 11th in yards gained.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy speaks during a news conference at the NFL Football Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
However, there was a coaching change in 2023 when Moore was relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator. Moore was the quarterbacks coach in 2018 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019.
McCarthy told reporters that he wanted to run the ball more.
«I’ve been where Kellen has been: Kellen wants to light up the scoring,» McCarthy said, via New York Post. «But I want to run the damn ball to rest my defense. I don’t want to be the number one offense in the league.»
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore during the NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 25, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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«I want to be the No. 1 team in the league with multiple wins and a championship. And if we have to give up some production and take better care of the ball to get it, then that’s what we’ll do.» «
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy speaks during a news conference at the NFL Football Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
McCarthy added that he thought Prescott needed a «new voice» to move forward.
The Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer, who had served as offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks. The 2008 Jets and the 2018-20 Seahawks offense were the only teams to finish in the top 10 in points scored.
Dak Prescott, number 4 of the Dallas Cowboys, walks through the tunnel before an NFL Divisional Round football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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Moore assumed the position of offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.