Early Life and Playing Career
Kirby Moore hails from Prosser, Washington, where he played high school football under his father, Tom Moore, a legendary coach with a 234-38 record and 21 conference titles. Moore continued his career at Boise State University as a wide receiver from 2009 to 2013, contributing to a 45-8 record, a 2009 WAC championship, and a 2012 Mountain West co-championship.
During his time with the Broncos, Moore recorded 115 receptions for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns, earning four varsity letters. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications in 2012 and later obtained a master’s in intercollegiate athletic leadership from the University of Washington in 2016.
These formative years laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy, blending player development with competitive success in high-stakes environments.
Coaching Journey and Key Achievements
Moore launched his coaching career as wide receivers coach at the College of Idaho in 2014, followed by a graduate assistant role at the University of Washington from 2015 to 2016 under Chris Petersen. He then spent five impactful years at Fresno State (2017-2022), rising to offensive coordinator and helping secure the 2022 Mountain West Championship.
At Fresno State, Moore was named to 247Sports' '30 under 30' list in 2017 and Mountain West's top recruiter in 2019. Under his guidance, five Bulldogs earned All-MWC honors, including first-team selections for QB Jake Haener, WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper, and RB Jordan Mims.
In 2023, Moore joined Missouri as OC, mentoring QB Brady Cook to bowl MVP honors and developing stars like RB Cody Schrader and WR Luther Burden III, both AP All-America honorees in 2023. His contract was extended through 2025 with a $1.5 million salary for 2024.
WSU Appointment and Future Impact
The December 12, 2025, hiring positions Moore as a perfect fit for WSU due to his Washington roots and offensive expertise. As a first-time head coach at 35, he brings energy and a track record of building explosive offenses, crucial for the Cougars amid recent transitions.
Moore's ability to develop young talent, as seen with Missouri's bowl successes and Fresno State's titles, promises recruiting boosts in the Pacific Northwest. Fans anticipate his player-centric approach will elevate WSU's competitiveness in the evolving college football landscape.
While untested as a head coach, Moore's 12 years of experience and rapid ascent suggest he could transform WSU into a contender, leveraging his networks from Boise State, Washington, and Fresno State.