Washington State has announced the hiring of Kirby Moore as its new head football coach. This decision comes on the heels of a successful 2025 season, where the Cougars finished with a 6-6 record. They secured bowl eligibility with a decisive 32-8 victory over Oregon State, earning a spot in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl against Utah State, scheduled for December 22.
Under the leadership of former head coach Jimmy Rogers, who left to take the head coaching position at Iowa State, Washington State had shown significant defensive improvement. The Cougars allowed an impressive average of just 12.6 points per game during their last eight matchups, finishing the regular season ranked in the top 20 nationally for total defense and passing yards allowed.
In the wake of Rogers” departure, defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit was named interim head coach for the bowl game while the athletic department conducted its search for a permanent replacement. That search concluded with Moore”s hiring, emphasizing the program”s commitment to enhancing its offensive capabilities.
At 35 years old, Moore has built a strong reputation as an offensive strategist. Previously a standout receiver at Boise State, he has gained valuable experience through coaching roles at Washington as a graduate assistant, then moving on to Fresno State, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2022, and most recently as the offensive coordinator at Missouri since 2023.
During his tenure at Missouri, Moore”s offense averaged 418 yards and 31.2 points per game, showcasing a particularly explosive performance in 2023. His guidance was instrumental in the development of quarterback Brady Cook, who achieved career highs under Moore”s direction, throwing for 3,317 yards, 21 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions with a 66.1% completion rate.
Following Missouri”s successful 2023 season, Moore received a contract extension that took effect on January 1, 2024, increasing his salary to $1.2 million, with a promise of $1.3 million in 2025, alongside performance-based incentives. As a native of Washington from Prosser, his appointment provides Washington State with a strategic advantage in recruiting within a region that is crucial for maintaining competitiveness, especially in light of changes resulting from the recent Pac-12 realignment.
More importantly, Moore”s expertise in implementing various spread-to-pro concepts and his track record of elevating quarterbacks make him a valuable asset for Washington State as it looks to strengthen its offensive identity.
