ST. PETERSBURG — After 17 years of building a powerhouse football program at Lakewood High, Cory Moore is taking his talents to the NFL, accepting a full-time scouting position with the Los Angeles Rams.
The move, which Moore confirmed via text message, marks the culmination of a long relationship between the Spartans coach and the Rams organization that began in 2020 when he was selected for their inaugural scouting apprenticeship program.
Moore previously has expressed his NFL aspirations.
In 2020, when joining the Rams’ scouting apprenticeship program, he said, “I have aspirations of coaching or working in the NFL someday.”
Moore, who took over the Lakewood program in 2008 and compiled a 130-69 record, led the Spartans to multiple state semifinal appearances. His program became known for developing college and NFL talent, with more than a dozen of his former players reaching the professional ranks, including standouts Dante Fowler and twins Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin.
The timing of the announcement comes as Lakewood wraps up spring practice, creating a sudden transition for a program that has become accustomed to stability under Moore’s leadership.
The departure also creates a significant void for a Lakewood athletic department that has benefitted from Moore’s guidance for more than a decade and a half.
Moore’s relationship with the Rams began during the franchise’s effort to create more opportunities for minority coaches and scouts. The 2020 apprenticeship program, which included virtual training and mentoring throughout the NFL calendar, gave Moore his first taste of professional scouting.
In 2020, Rams general manager Les Snead described the scouting apprenticeship program as providing “access and opportunity to many talented, aspiring minority scouts and player evaluators.”
The move to Los Angeles continues a journey that included previous NFL experiences through the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Bucs (2009) and Jaguars (2012).
Moore’s extensive resume includes being named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s Head Coach of the Year and National Urban League Man of the Year, both in 2018, and Pinellas County Head Football Coach of the Year multiple times.
At Lakewood, Moore’s legacy extends beyond wins and championships. Under his guidance, countless players enrolled in or graduated from college, with the coach prioritizing academic achievement alongside athletic development.
Moore’s vision for Lakewood football also included breaking barriers in coaching. In 2021, when advanced placement and honors world history teacher Melia Garcia approached him about joining the football staff despite having no previous coaching experience, Moore didn’t hesitate.
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Garcia’s role quickly evolved from observer to hands-on offensive line coach. Under Moore’s mentorship, she earned respect from players through her teaching drills and willingness to get involved in drills.
Moore also appointed Garcia as an academic advisor, implementing a system where players must submit progress reports with teacher signatures to participate in practice.
This commitment to innovation and inclusion became hallmarks of Moore’s coaching philosophy at Lakewood.
With the Rams, Moore will be a full-time bay area scout, working primarily with player development and talent evaluation, building on his experience in those roles with the organization.
“To God be the glory,” Moore said. “It’s a dream.”