Kirby Moore Connects with Cougar Country, Talks Retention, QB Battle, and Building Chemistry
SPOKANE - If there was any doubt about Kirby Moore’s ability to connect with a fan base, Thursday night in Spokane put that to rest. The new Washington State head coach didn’t just show up - he showed out.
Moore worked the room like a seasoned vet, shaking hands, swapping stories, and fielding questions from a packed house of Cougar diehards. Whether the topic was offensive philosophy or his high school days at Prosser, Moore was all in - approachable, engaged, and clearly energized by the moment.
The event, part of a five-stop tour organized by the Cougar Athletic Fund and Cougar Collective, brought out a who’s who of WSU football, from legends like Dave Petersen, Jack Thompson, and Paul Sorensen to longtime season ticket holders and young fans just beginning their Cougar journey. Spokane marked stop No. 4 on the tour, with the final leg set for Camas next week.
But while the handshakes and photo ops were flowing, Moore also carved out time to dive into football - specifically, where the program stands after his first seven weeks on the job. And make no mistake: it’s been a whirlwind.
Retention Was Priority No. 1
“Right away, it was about meeting the players,” Moore said. “Figuring out who was comfortable staying and who had questions.”
That early groundwork paid off. Moore and his staff managed to retain 57 players, including 11 of the 14 starters who had eligibility remaining after the bowl game - a strong showing in an era where roster turnover can be brutal, especially for programs in transition.
Then came the transfer portal. In just two weeks, Washington State hosted 45 visits.
That’s not just volume - that’s urgency. Moore and his staff were aggressive, clearly intent on reloading rather than rebuilding.
“The guys reported on January 11,” Moore said. “And it’s been about gelling the football team.”
That last part - team chemistry - is going to be a major theme this offseason. With so many moving parts, Moore knows cohesion can’t wait until fall camp. The work starts now.
The QB Room: A Young Gun Making Noise
Of course, no offseason update is complete without a quarterback discussion. Moore didn’t hesitate when asked about the three-man competition for the starting job, and he started with the youngest of the bunch: second-year freshman Owen Eshelman.
“He can make throws in some tight windows,” Moore said. “Being on the scout team last season, he went against the starting defense.”
That experience - even if it came behind the scenes - wasn’t wasted. Eshelman was getting real reps against real competition, and now he’s stepping into a bigger role.
“He won’t be looking at a card anymore,” Moore added. “He just needs to get back to fundamental football.”
That’s a telling quote. It suggests Moore isn’t just evaluating arm strength or athleticism - he’s looking for command, decision-making, and the ability to run the offense without training wheels. Eshelman may be young, but the door is clearly open for him to push for playing time.
What’s Next?
With one more stop on the tour and spring ball looming, Moore’s focus is clear: build relationships, build chemistry, and build a team that’s ready to compete.
There’s still plenty to sort out - from finalizing the depth chart to installing schemes - but Moore’s early approach has been grounded, intentional, and player-first. And based on the energy in that Spokane ballroom, Cougar Nation is buying in.
This isn’t just about a new coach settling in. It’s about a program trying to stabilize in a rapidly changing college football landscape. So far, Moore is striking the right tone - approachable, confident, and focused on the details that matter.
If the Cougs can carry that energy into spring and beyond, this could be the start of something intriguing on the Palouse.