Ted Ginn Jr. Named Head Coach of Columbus Aviators as UFL Era Begins in Ohio
Columbus is officially on the pro football map. The United Football League’s newest franchise, the Columbus Aviators, is set to take flight this spring, and they’ve landed a name that carries serious weight in Ohio football circles. On Wednesday, the team announced that Ted Ginn Jr. will serve as its inaugural head coach, marking a new chapter not just for the UFL, but for one of the Buckeye State’s most electric football figures.
This is more than a headline-it’s a full-circle moment. Ginn, a Cleveland native and Ohio State legend, is returning to the state that helped shape his football identity. And now, he’s stepping into a leadership role that could define the early legacy of a brand-new franchise.
From Buckeye Blazer to Pro Football Leader
If you watched college football in the mid-2000s, you remember Ted Ginn Jr.-you probably still see him in your nightmares if you were on the opposing sideline. He was a blur in scarlet and gray, a first-team All-American in 2006 who turned broken plays into highlight reels. His speed was otherworldly, his instincts sharp, and his ability to flip the field in an instant made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the country.
After three standout seasons at Ohio State under Jim Tressel, Ginn made the leap to the NFL, where he carved out a 14-year career as a wide receiver and return specialist. He was a first-round pick in 2007, and while he never became a household name in the mold of a No. 1 wideout, he was a consistent contributor-especially in the return game-and a respected veteran in every locker room he entered.
Now, he’s bringing that experience home.
Building a Franchise from the Ground Up
The Aviators will begin play this March at historic Crew Stadium, and the hire of Ginn sends a clear message: this team wants to be rooted in Ohio football culture from day one.
Russ Brandon, the Aviators’ CEO, emphasized that connection in his statement announcing the hire.
“Ted Ginn Jr. represents everything that is great about football in the Buckeye State,” Brandon said. “A proven winner, Ted combines a winning performance on the field and a deep knowledge of the game with tremendous pride for his home state. We look forward to Ted not only building the foundation of the Columbus Aviators, but also writing a new chapter in the history of Ohio football.”
That’s no small task. Launching a new pro football team in a state already dominated by passionate fanbases for Ohio State, the Browns, and the Bengals means the Aviators will need more than just a cool name and fresh uniforms. They’ll need credibility-and Ginn brings that in spades.
Ginn's Vision: Pride, Passion, and a New Tradition
For Ginn, this isn’t just a coaching job-it’s a mission. He’s not just trying to win games; he’s trying to build something lasting in a city that already lives and breathes football.
“Today marks a new milestone in my football journey,” Ginn said. “When I heard the United Football League was bringing a team to Columbus, I wanted to be part of creating a new winning tradition in a city that means so much to me. I can’t wait to start building this team, and I invite football fans throughout the state to join the Aviators as they take flight.”
That invitation carries weight, especially coming from someone who’s been a part of some of the most memorable moments in Ohio football history. Ginn’s roots run deep-from his days at Cleveland Glenville under his father, Ted Ginn Sr., to his time lighting up the Horseshoe on Saturdays.
A Vote of Confidence from Coach Tressel
The announcement also drew praise from Ginn’s former college coach, Jim Tressel, who knows a thing or two about building a football culture in Columbus.
“I’m so excited for the Columbus Aviators as Teddy Ginn Jr. joins the organization as its inaugural head football coach,” Tressel said. “Teddy will be a great influence on young men, and he will represent the Buckeye State and the UFL with class. He’s passionate about bringing a great product to Central Ohio and making a difference both in the community and in the game of football.”
That’s high praise from a coach who helped put Ohio State back on the national map-and it speaks to the kind of leader Ginn aims to be.
What’s Next for the Aviators?
The road ahead won’t be easy. Columbus is a football town through and through, but breaking through in a market where Ohio State reigns supreme is a tall order. The UFL is still finding its footing, and new teams often face growing pains both on and off the field.
But hiring Ted Ginn Jr. is a bold first step. It’s a move that blends football knowledge, name recognition, and state pride into a single hire. And for fans in Columbus, it offers something to rally around-a familiar face with a new challenge.
The Aviators are getting ready for takeoff, and with Ginn in the pilot’s seat, there’s a good chance they’ll be flying high sooner than later.