Update: Arroyo back in front for UNLV job after Aranda rumors fade

Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo seems to be back in front as the leading candidate for the head coaching job at UNLV, per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg and others.

Late Tuesday night rumors heated up that LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda was in talks with the Running Rebels for the job, putting Arroyo on the back burner.  However reports suggest the conversations between Aranda and UNLV fizzled and never materialized into an actual job offer, thus thrusting Arroyo back into primary consideration.

Sources now telling me #LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is not expected to be the next #UNLV coach. There were some initial talks from both sides but no offer was made. #Oregon offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo remains a strong candidate for the UNLV job.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 11, 2019

In case you went to bed thinking Dave Aranda might be headed to UNLV….pump the breaks. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg shared last night that this deal won’t materialize https://t.co/PkwkTiELp7

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) December 11, 2019

The 39-year-old Arroyo is wrapping up his third season as offensive coordinator for the Ducks.  His strong skill in recruiting is his best asset, while strategies in offensive philosophy and play-calling are often suspect.

Arroyo came to Oregon when then-head coach Willie Taggart hired him as an assistant, and co-offensive coordinator with Mario Cristobal.  After Taggart’s departure for Florida State and Cristobal’s promotion to head coach, Arroyo was elevated to offensive coordinator, where he’s helped guide the Ducks to winning the Pac-12 Championship and a spot in the Rose Bowl.