Kirby Moore Comes Home: Washington State’s New Head Coach Brings Familiarity, Focus, and a Fresh Start
PULLMAN - When Kirby Moore walked into the Alger Family Club Room at Washington State, he wasn’t just stepping into a new job - he was stepping into a place that’s been part of his DNA for decades. The Prosser native, now officially the Cougars’ head football coach, was greeted by a rousing version of the WSU fight song sung by alums, players, and family. His response was simple, heartfelt, and telling.
“It feels good to be home,” Moore said with a wide smile.
And just like that, the tone was set.
No flashy promises. No buzzwords.
Just an honest acknowledgment of what this job means to someone who grew up steeped in Cougar culture. Moore didn’t need to sell a vision with hype.
He talked about his roots, his journey, and the people who helped shape him - all while making it clear that this isn’t just another coaching stop. This is home.
A Familiar Face in a Familiar Place
Moore is the first head coach in WSU history to be born and raised in Eastern Washington - and that’s not just a trivia nugget. It matters.
It matters to a fan base that’s seen its share of coaches talk about loyalty only to bolt when the next opportunity came calling. It matters to a community that wants someone who understands what it means to coach in Pullman, not just someone who’s passing through.
Tuesday’s event didn’t feel like a coach and his family arriving in unfamiliar territory. It felt like a homecoming.
Moore, his wife Kayla (also from Prosser), and their three children were surrounded by family and friends, including his father Tom, a coaching legend at Prosser High School. This wasn’t just a press conference - it was a reunion.
WSU football royalty was in the building too. Jack Thompson - the original “Throwin’ Samoan” and a Cougar icon - was there to show support, along with new WSU soccer coach Chris Citowicki.
Offensive line coach Taylor Lucas, assistant OL coach Mike Iupati, and strength and conditioning coach Matt Jacobs were also in attendance. Whether they’ll remain on staff is still up in the air, but their presence spoke volumes about the respect Moore commands.
Players Watching, Future Uncertain
From the balcony above, a group of current players looked on - a reminder that while the coaching carousel spins, the players are the ones left navigating the uncertainty.
Wide receiver Tony Freeman and linebacker Anthony Palano, both expected to enter the transfer portal in early January, were among those watching. Defensive end Isaac Terrell, defensive tackle Bryson Lamb, DE Malaki Ta’ase, tight end Trey Leckner, linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen, and running back Maxwell Woods were also in the building. Their presence showed a level of engagement, even as the roster remains in flux.
This is the new reality of college football. Players move.
Coaches move. But the hope in Pullman is that Moore’s roots might just be enough to slow the revolving door - at least for a while.
Notable Absences, But the Message Was Clear
A few familiar faces weren’t in the room. Legendary former WSU coaches Jim Walden, Mike Price, and Dennis Erickson weren’t in attendance. Neither was WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell, who was out of town.
Still, the energy in the room didn’t waver. The Cougar spirit was alive and well - and so was the underlying message from the fan base: Let’s not be back here next December.
The Alger Family Club Room has hosted plenty of press conferences and banquets over the years. But Cougar fans are hoping this is the last introductory football presser for a while. Stability has been elusive in recent seasons, and Moore’s arrival offers a chance to reset.
Looking Ahead
There’s still plenty to be determined. A new athletic director is expected to be announced in the spring, and that’ll bring its own round of introductions.
Whether Citowicki gets a formal welcome remains to be seen. But for now, Cougar Nation has a head coach who knows what the job means - not just to the program, but to the people.
Kirby Moore didn’t need to win the room with theatrics. He won it by being real.
By being local. By being home.
And for a program that’s been searching for stability, that might be the most important win of all.