UNLV NAMES MARCUS ARROYO NEW FOOTBALL HEAD COACH
Marcus Arroyo has been appointed the new head coach of UNLV’s football program, Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois announced this morning. Arroyo comes to UNLV just days after helping lead the University of Oregon to the Pac-12 Conference championship. The 39-year-old served as the Ducks’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach the past three seasons and was tabbed assistant head coach entering the 2019 campaign.
“Marcus has demonstrated a commitment to integrity and excellence throughout his career, and we look forward to a bright future for our football program under his leadership,” UNLV President Marta Meana said. “We’re excited to welcome Marcus and his family to Las Vegas and UNLV.”
Arroyo, a strong recruiter, was instrumental in bringing talent into the Ducks’ program as its last two recruiting classes have ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12 and among the nation’s elite. Oregon’s offense ranked 15th in the nation in scoring this season.
A native of Colfax, California, Arroyo was a three-year letterwinner at San Jose State University where he played quarterback from 1998-2002, at the same time Reed-Francois served as the Spartans’ Director of Compliance.
“It’s remarkable to see things come full circle 20 years later,” Reed-Francois said, “We set out to find a teacher and a competitor with the character, competence, energy and intellect to bring out the best in our 105 young men and recruit and develop the next group of Rebel football student-athletes. We looked for a leader that is a great evaluator of talent, who can sell what makes UNLV, our community, and our program unique, and helps develop and prepare our student-athletes for the next level. When Marcus and I reconnected during the search process, his alignment with these attributes became evident. I am confident he is the right coach to lead UNLV football’s ascent, and we are thrilled to welcome him along with Kelly and Cruz to the Rebel family.”
Considered one of the rising stars on the college coaching scene, Arroyo brings experience as a coach for every offensive position except the offensive line. Prior to moving to Eugene, Arroyo coached at Oklahoma State University (running backs 2015-16), the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers (interim offensive coordinator 2014), the University of Southern Mississippi (offensive coordinator and outside receivers 2013), and at the University of California (passing-game coordinator 2011-12). He is no stranger to the Mountain West’s coaching landscape, having coached at the University of Wyoming (offensive coordinator and quarterbacks 2009-2010) and as the co-offensive coordinator for two seasons and quarterbacks coach for three campaigns at his alma mater, San Jose State (2006-08). He became a graduate assistant for the Spartans in 2005 after a stint as the offensive coordinator at Prairie View A&M University in 2004.
“UNLV Athletics is a department on the rise, and my family and I are thrilled to be a part of the Rebel family during this special time,” said Arroyo, “The uniqueness of Las Vegas is unrivaled and the opportunity to train, practice, and compete, in some of the country’s best facilities in one of the world’s most vibrant cities cannot be understated. We will work tirelessly to elevate UNLV Football to the championship caliber program that it is positioned to be. I can’t wait to get started, and I look forward to meeting our student-athletes, support staff, and fans.”
Arroyo will be formally introduced to the Las Vegas community on Friday, December 13 at 11 a.m. in the Fertitta Football Complex’s Gaughan Family Dining Hall.
