Report: Dave Aranda candidate for UNLV head coaching job

LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda could possibly go from the highest paid college football assistant coach to the head coach of one of the most disappointing programs in the FBS.

The 43-year old is in talks for a deal to become UNLV’s head coach, reported Bruce Feldman of The Athletic and FOX Sports.

SOURCES: #LSU DC Dave Aranda has emerged as the focus of the #UNLV head coaching search and a deal could be sorted out as early as within the next 24 hours.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 10, 2019

However, Adam Rittenberg of ESPN has thrown cold water on Feldman’s report, saying Aranda to UNLV will not happen:

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

Aranda has been the Tigers defensive coordinator for the past four seasons, keeping his position in the heading coachign transition from Les Miles to Ed Orgeron. Prior to joining the LSU staff, Aranda was Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator from 2013-15.

LSU is the top ranked team in the country heading into a College Football Playoff semifinal matchup Dec. 28 against No. 4 Oklahoma in Atlanta.

Multiple outlets report Colorado State has also shown interest in having Aranda fill their head coaching vacancy.

Some news here in New York, per sources: #LSU’s Dave Aranda, mentioned already at Colorado State, is also in the mix at #UNLV. He’s the highest-paid assistant in the country and wants to be a head coach.

School has spoken to #Oregon OC Marcus Arroyo and Matt Canada.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 10, 2019

UNLV has had just two winning seasons in the past 25 years and has won no more than eight games in a season since 1884.

UPDATE: UNLV agreed to hire Oregon offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo to fill the vacancy.