The United Football League”s new franchise, the Columbus Aviators, has made a significant move by announcing the hiring of Ted Ginn Jr. as their first head coach. The announcement was made on Wednesday, as the team prepares for its inaugural season in Ohio”s capital next year.
Ted Ginn Jr., 40, is celebrated for his remarkable career as a return specialist in college football and boasts an extensive 14-year tenure in the NFL, where he played for six different teams. In a statement released by the team, Ginn expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Today marks a new milestone in my football journey. When I heard that the United Football League was going to have a football team in Columbus, I wanted to be a part of creating a new winning tradition in this city that is such an important part of my life. I can”t wait to start building this team and I ask football fans throughout the state to join the Aviators as they take flight.”
Ginn”s appointment is particularly notable given that his father, Ted Ginn Sr., is a highly respected high school football coach in Ohio, known for his long-standing tenure at Cleveland Glenville High School, where he has secured three state championships.
The history of professional football in Columbus has been marked by challenges, with various leagues, including the early days of the NFL and the World League of American Football, struggling to establish a lasting presence. However, aligning the Aviators with a figure like Ginn, who has deep roots in Ohio football, provides a promising start toward reversing that trend.
As the Aviators gear up for their first season in March 2026, Ginn”s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the team”s identity and fostering a strong connection with local fans, aiming to establish a new chapter in Columbus football history.
