As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in a pivotal playoff matchup, all eyes should be on the team’s strategy and execution.

However, a significant distraction has emerged: offensive coordinator and play-caller Kellen Moore’s busy interview schedule for potential head coaching positions. Among the teams reportedly interested in Moore’s services is the Dallas Cowboys, sparking frustration and concern among Eagles fans and analysts alike.

Moore’s week is packed, with virtual interviews scheduled with the Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Jacksonville Jaguars. While career advancement opportunities are a natural part of the NFL, the timing of these interviews has drawn heavy criticism. Eagles fans—and even media personalities—are questioning Moore’s ability to balance playoff preparations with the distractions of potential head coaching opportunities. FS1’s Emmanuel Acho voiced his frustration, saying, “I will be furious if Kellen Moore being distracted by the Cowboys job costs the Eagles. This same situation literally already cost the Eagles a Super Bowl.”

Acho’s concerns are rooted in recent history. Ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl, the Eagles’ then-offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon were both embroiled in head coaching interviews. Gannon’s reported lack of focus while preparing for his eventual Arizona Cardinals job was a key factor in the Eagles’ underwhelming second-half performance, which ultimately cost them the championship. Now, fans fear a repeat scenario with Moore.

Social media has been ablaze with criticism. One fan sarcastically noted, “Loooovvvee Kellen Moore interviewing for multiple head coaching jobs the week after he put together one of the most vanilla play-calling jobs in the passing game I’ve seen.” Many share the sentiment that Moore’s priorities may not be fully aligned with the team’s immediate goals.

This situation isn’t unique to Philadelphia. The Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, faced similar scrutiny last season when he juggled preparing for a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers with pursuing the Washington Commanders’ head coaching position. Dallas’s stunning playoff loss added fuel to the debate about the impact of such distractions.

Moore, 36, has never been a head coach, making these interviews a crucial step in his career. However, the Eagles’ playoff hopes hinge on his ability to deliver a focused and dynamic game plan against the Rams. Whether Moore’s interviews will impact his performance remains to be seen, but the Eagles can ill afford any missteps at this stage of their season.

For Eagles fans, the hope is that history doesn’t repeat itself. The team needs Moore’s undivided attention as they aim to advance deeper into the playoffs and avoid another disappointment tied to coaching distractions.