Kirby Moore is among the rising stars in American college football coaching, known for his offensive acumen, rapid rise through the coaching ranks, and recent move from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) to a Power-5 head coaching role. This article explores Moore’s career journey, personal life, contract details, and legacy in the sport.
Early Life and Boise State Playing Career
Born on August 23, 1990, in Prosser, Washington, Kirby Moore grew up immersed in football culture — his father, Tom Moore, was a longtime high school head coach and his older brother, Kellen Moore, became a standout quarterback and NFL coach.
Moore played collegiate football at Boise State University as a wide receiver from 2009 to 2013. During his playing tenure, he appeared in 45 games and finished with 115 receptions for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns, contributing to multiple bowl appearances and conference championships.
Coaching Career: From Boise State Roots to Big Opportunities
Early Coaching Steps
After graduating from Boise State and earning a master’s degree at Washington, Moore began his coaching career in 2014 as a wide receivers coach at College of Idaho. His early path included:
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Graduate Assistant at Washington (2015–2016)
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Wide Receivers Coach and Offensive Roles at Fresno State (2017–2021)
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Offensive Coordinator at Fresno State (2022)
During his time at Fresno State, Moore cultivated a reputation for developing explosive offensive units and talented skill players.
Missouri (Mizzou) — Offensive Coordinator
In January 2023, Moore was hired as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at the University of Missouri under head coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Under Moore’s direction, Mizzou’s offense achieved notable success:
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Top-ranked rushing offense in the SEC (2025)
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Consistently strong yardage and scoring outputs
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Development of top performers like Brady Cook, Cody Schrader, and Luther Burden III.
Head Coaching Breakthrough — Washington State
In December 2025, Moore earned his first head coaching position as the 36th head coach at Washington State University, agreeing to a multi-year contract. His hiring marks a major milestone in his coaching trajectory and signals high expectations for Cougar football.
Salary and Contract Highlights
Moore’s compensation as a coach has reflected his rising stock in college football:
Missouri Contract Details
When initially hired by Mizzou in 2023, Moore signed a three-year contract with a structured salary increase:
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$850,000 in 2023
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$875,000 in 2024
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$900,000 in 2025
He was also eligible for up to $165,000 in incentives tied to performance and team achievements.
Washington State Contract
Exact financial figures for Moore’s new Washington State deal have not yet been publicly confirmed, but reports suggest it likely exceeds typical coordinator pay and reflects his new role as a Power-5 head coach.
Personal Life: Wife and Family
Kirby Moore is married to Kayla Smasne, and the couple have three children: daughter Sutton and sons Cohen and Crew. The family’s presence at Washington State underscores Moore’s connection with both his professional and personal life across multiple coaching stops.
Legacy and Future Outlook
At 35, Moore has already experienced a fast rise from a former Boise State receiver to one of college football’s youngest Power-5 head coaches. His offensive mind, mentorship of top talent, and success within the SEC have positioned him as a coach with long-term national relevance.
As Moore prepares for his first season at Washington State, expectations are high that he will translate his offensive vision into consistent wins and continued growth on the national stage.
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