Former Ohio State Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. Named Head Coach Of UFL’s Columbus Aviators

The United Football League’s Columbus Aviators, which will play their first season in the league in 2026, will be led by a former Buckeye. Former Ohio State wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. was named the Aviators’ head coach, the UFL announced on Wednesday.

“Today marks a new milestone in my football journey,” Ginn said in a news release. “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 played for Ohio State from 2004-06 and made a tremendous impact as both a returner and a receiver. In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Ginn had 135 receptions for 1,943 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. Ginn also finished his collegiate career with 900 punt return yards and a Big Ten record of six punt return touchdowns. As a kick returner, Ginn had 38 returns for 1,012 yards and two touchdowns.

Ginn, a first-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, played in the NFL for 14 seasons from 2007-20.

Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has high expectations for his former player.

“I’m so excited for the Columbus Aviators as Teddy Ginn Jr. joins the organization as its inaugural head football coach,” Tressel said in the news release. “Teddy will be a great influence on the young men and he will represent the Buckeye State and the UFL with class. Teddy is so excited to bring a great product to Central Ohio and make a difference in the community and on the game of football.”