LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda has emerged as the focus of UNLV’s head coaching search and a deal could get done within 24 hours, according to Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports.

UNLV fired head coach Tony Sanchez two weeks ago after posting a 19-40 record over five seasons. The Rebels are looking to bring a major improvement to the program with significant investments coming in the form of facilities. UNLV recently opened a $35 million football facility to assist with recruiting and player development.

This comes hours after a report that a deal between UNLV and Oregon offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo may not come together.

Aranda is a highly respected coach and is the highest paid assistant in college football, making $2.5 million per season. Although the LSU defense has struggled at times this season, it has been one of the strong points of the team in years past and it showed out on Saturday in the SEC Championship against Georgia. The Tigers held Georgia to just 62 yards rushing.

Before the SEC Championship, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart offered his thoughts on Aranda and LSU's defense.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said that while the hype is around LSU's offense, Aranda gives opposing offenses plenty to think about and the Tigers are playing well as of late.

"They have an incredible group of guys who have played better and better and better," Smart said Friday. "You can tell they're playing with a chip on their shoulder. The last two or three weeks, they have pass rushed with a different dynamic. They're using their athletic guys to rush the passer. They've got a tremendous secondary that we got to watch them -- I got to see them more on tape, as we played Auburn and we played Florida.

"You could see the talent that LSU has in the secondary because they're able to put their hands on people and cover what we knew are two really good teams. Got a lot of respect for Dave Aranda and their staff, and they've got their guys playing really well now."