UNLV fires head coach Marcus Arroyo

UNLV has let go of head coach Marcus Arroyo, according to ESPN insider Pete Thamel. Arroyo spent just three seasons as head coach of the Rebels. UNLV has now confirmed the move in a release.

“We thank Marcus Arroyo for his unwavering efforts leading our student-athletes on and off the field for these three seasons,” Director of Athletics Erick Harper said in the release. “His program represented this institution in the community and classroom in a manner that is to be commended. However, with our increased expectations at UNLV we felt a change was in order at this time. We all wish Marcus and his family the best in their future endeavors.”

Arroyo was hired by UNLV in 2020, following a three-year stint as the offensive coordinator — and other positions — at Oregon. Arroyo inherited a UNLV program that was on a six-year streak of not making it to a bowl game but was not able to turn things around in his stint. Arroyo went a combined 2-16 in the first two seasons, before going 5-7 this past year.

The Rebels started out hot this season, winning four of their first five, with the only loss being a six-point loss to Cal. But UNLV then went on a six-game losing streak, snapped only by a five-point win over Nevada this past weekend. UNLV could still make a bowl game at 5-7 but may now decline the invite if offered, according to college football insider Brett McMurphy.

Whoever is hired as the next head coach of the Rebels will be tasked with turning around a program that is desperate for success. UNLV has made it to a bowl game just once in the last 22 seasons, losing the Heart of Dallas Bowl under Bobby Hauck in 2013. Arroyo was the third head coach that the Rebels have had in the last decade.