Ted Ginn Jr. is the first head coach in Columbus Aviators history, tasked with launching one of the UFL's three new franchises for the 2026 season. The son of legendary Glenville (Ohio) high school coach Ted Ginn Sr., Ginn grew up inside one of the country's most respected football development programs before starring at Ohio State, where he earned All-American honors as a receiver and return specialist and was drafted ninth overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2007.
Ginn went on to play 14 NFL seasons across six franchises — the Dolphins, 49ers, Panthers, Cardinals, Saints, and Bears — finishing his career with more than 5,700 receiving yards and establishing himself as one of the most dangerous kick returners of his generation. He appeared in multiple NFC Championship Games and remains among the fastest players ever to suit up in the league.
As the inaugural head coach of the Aviators, Ginn brings NFL playing credibility, a background shaped by one of football's great coaching families, and the challenge of building a brand-new professional franchise in Columbus from day one.