New Cougar Football Coach Kirby Moore Energizes Packed House in Spokane

Moore discusses retention, quarterback competition, and recruiting priorities in wide-ranging talk with alumni and fans.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In his first major public appearance since taking over as Washington State's new head football coach, Kirby Moore energized a packed house of Cougar alumni and fans in Spokane. Moore discussed a range of topics, including his early efforts to retain players, the three-way quarterback competition, and his recruiting priorities as he looks to build the program.

Why it matters

As a new coach, Moore's ability to connect with the Cougar fanbase and generate excitement will be crucial to his success. This event showcased his comfort in the spotlight and willingness to openly engage with the community, which should help foster goodwill and optimism around the future of the program.

The details

During the event, Moore provided updates on his first seven weeks on the job, highlighting the staff's success in retaining 57 players, including 11 of 14 starters from the previous season. He also discussed the three-way quarterback competition, praising the potential of young Owen Eshelman while also highlighting the experience of the other contenders. Throughout the evening, Moore fielded questions from the diverse crowd, which included Cougar football luminaries as well as season-ticket holders and fans of all ages.

  • The event took place on Thursday in Spokane, the fourth stop in a five-part meet-and-greet tour that began in Seattle and concludes next week in Camas.
  • The new Cougar players reported on January 11, and Moore said the focus has been on 'gelling the football team' since then.

The players

Kirby Moore

The new head football coach of the Washington State Cougars, who is working to connect with the fanbase and build excitement around the program.

Owen Eshelman

A second-year freshman quarterback who is one of three players competing for the starting job under Moore.

Dave Petersen

A member of the 1965 'Cardiac Kids' team, one of the Cougar football luminaries in attendance at the event.

Jack Thompson

An All-American quarterback who was among the Cougar football greats present at the packed house in Spokane.

Paul Sorensen

Another All-American who was in attendance, representing the Cougar football legacy.

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What they’re saying

“Right away, it was about meeting the players, figuring out who was comfortable with staying and who had questions. Our staff did a great job with retention, keeping 57 players. Of the 14 starters who had eligibility going into the bowl game, we kept 11. Then the portal opened and we had 45 visits in two weeks. The guys reported on January 11and it's been about gelling the football team.”

— Kirby Moore, Head Football Coach, Washington State Cougars (Cougfan.com)

What’s next

The Cougars' new head coach will continue his meet-and-greet tour, with the final stop scheduled for next week in Camas.

The takeaway

Kirby Moore's ability to connect with the Cougar fanbase and generate excitement will be crucial to his success as the new head football coach. This event in Spokane showcased his comfort in the spotlight and willingness to openly engage with the community, which should help foster goodwill and optimism around the future of the program.