Cowboys Rumors: Kellen Moore, Jon Kitna Considered for OC, QB Coach Roles

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly looking to boost the offense by assigning former quarterbacks to key roles on the staff in the wake of the team firing former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan on Friday.

The Cowboys are "considering bringing former quarterback Jon Kitna in to work with their offense, likely quarterbacks," according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport added that "one possibility" for the Cowboys is to promote current quarterbacks coach Kellen Moore to offensive coordinator, which would allow the interest in Kitna "to make sense."

Per the report, "While the Cowboys' offensive coordinator job remains open, the current staff is in place. And still, they are looking to add."

Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported Kitna is the front-runner to take over as quarterbacks coach:

Despite the rumors surrounding Moore and Kitna, Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported Cowboys sources expect head coach Jason Garrett to "be more involved in the offense and play-calling, a role he once gave up."

As for Linehan, Garrett spoke about the decision to move on from the offensive coordinator in a statement (h/t Todd Archer of ESPN.com):

"This was not an easy decision because of how highly we regard Scott Linehan as a football coach and as a person. He and I had some really positive, substantive and open discussions which took place in the latter part of this week, and we ultimately agreed that it would be in the best interest of all of the parties involved if we were to make a change at this position.

Moore, 30, served as Dallas' quarterbacks coach in 2018 after an NFL career as a backup QB, including a stint with the Cowboys.

Kitna, 46, spent 17 seasons in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks (1996–00), Cincinnati Bengals (2001–05), Detroit Lions (2006–08) and Dallas Cowboys (2009–11, 2013). For his career, he threw for 29,745 yards, 169 touchdowns and 165 interceptions. 

He was named the 2003 NFL Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press and spent time as both a starter and backup throughout his career. During his time in Dallas, he largely served as Tony Romo's backup.

Since his playing days, Kitna has coached high school football, though he was hired in June as the offensive coordinator of the Alliance of American Football's San Diego Fleet. 

Whomever takes over as offensive coordinator will be expected to jump-start an offense that finished 22nd in yards (343.8) and points per game (21.2) in 2018. While the midseason acquisition of Amari Cooper helped boost the offense, the Cowboys will need to be more dynamic on that side of the ball if they're to become true contenders.