Washington State University Interim Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow announced that Kirby Moore has been named the Cougars’ head football coach.

Moore, who agreed in principle to a five-year contract, becomes the 36th head coach in program history. A formal press conference will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16.

“Coach Moore is the real deal, and exactly who we needed to propel us to the top of the new Pac-12,” said WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell. “Our student-athletes have lucked out. This man cares deeply not only about winning, but their success on and off the field.”

Moore, a Prosser, Wash. native, arrives in Pullman after three seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Missouri. In 2025, he helped guide the Tigers to an 8–4 record and a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl berth. Under his leadership, running back Ahmed Hardy led the nation in rushing yards per game (130.0) and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. Quarterback Brady Cook flourished under Moore, earning Cotton Bowl and Music City Bowl honors while compiling more than 5,800 passing yards and 32 touchdowns over two seasons.

"Today is a great day for Cougar Football and we are thrilled to welcome Kirby, his wife Kayla, and children, Sutton, Cohen and Crew to the Cougar Family." said WSU interim AD Jon Haarlow. "Kirby Moore is regarded as one of the top young coaches in college football with proven success throughout multiple levels of his coaching career. He has an innovative offensive mind and a team-oriented approach that will resonate with and elevate our student-athletes. Throughout the process, his energy and commitment to wholistically developing our student-athletes, on the field and off, along with his ties to eastern Washington and familiarity with Washington State University make him the right leader for Cougar Football.

"As we enter the new Pac-12, it is imperative that we provide the necessary resources for sustainable success within the conference and nationally," Haarlow added.

Moore’s offenses at Missouri ranked among the nation’s best in efficiency, improving dramatically in third-down conversions, red-zone scoring, and turnover margin. In 2023, Missouri became the only team in the country to produce a 3,000-yard passer, 1,500-yard rusher, and 1,000-yard receiver in the same season.

Before Missouri, Moore served as offensive coordinator at Fresno State in 2022, helping the Bulldogs win the Mountain West title and defeat Washington State in the LA Bowl. He previously spent five seasons as Fresno State’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, mentoring Jake Haener, Jalen Moreno-Cropper, and Jordan Mims to All-MWC honors.

Moore began his coaching career at the College of Idaho in 2014 and later worked as a graduate assistant at Washington, where he was part of the Huskies’ 2016 Pac-12 championship and College Football Playoff run.

As a player, Moore was a wide receiver at Boise State from 2009–13, helping the Broncos to a 45–8 record, two conference titles, and four bowl appearances. He finished his career with 115 receptions for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns, earning Academic All-District and All-Mountain West honors.

Moore is the son of longtime Prosser High School coach Tom Moore and the younger brother of Kellen Moore, Boise State’s winningest quarterback and current head coach of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.