Ted Ginn Jr., the newly appointed head coach of the Columbus Aviators, faced a significant setback when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Tarrant County, Texas, on April 11, 2026. Prior to this incident, expectations were high for Ginn as he prepared to lead his team against the Dallas Renegades in his coaching debut scheduled for April 12, 2026.
The arrest occurred at 12:58 a.m. when police stopped Ginn for traffic violations. He was subsequently booked into the county jail around 3:30 p.m. and released on a $1,000 bond by 8 p.m. the same day. This unexpected turn of events has raised questions about his ability to fulfill his coaching responsibilities.
In light of Ginn’s arrest, Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley will step in to assume head coaching duties for the Aviators’ game against the Renegades. This change marks a significant shift for the team, which had been preparing under Ginn’s leadership since his appointment in December 2025.
Ginn, who turned 41 on April 12, 2026, expressed remorse for his actions in a social media post, stating, “I made a serious mistake and take full responsibility for my actions.” He further acknowledged the importance of his role as a leader and the responsibilities that come with it.
Russ Brandon, a representative of the Aviators, commented on the situation, saying, “We are aware of an incident involving Head Coach Ted Ginn Jr. over the weekend and are in the process of gathering more information.” This statement reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing the issue while maintaining focus on the upcoming game.
Ginn’s career spans 14 years in the NFL, during which he became known for his remarkable skills, including being the Big Ten’s career leader in punt return touchdowns with six. His transition into coaching was seen as a promising development for the Aviators.
As the team prepares for the game without their head coach, the impact of Ginn’s arrest on team morale and performance remains to be seen. The Aviators will need to rally under Haley’s leadership as they face the Renegades.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further disciplinary actions that may be taken against Ginn by the Aviators or the United Football League. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face off the field, particularly in leadership roles.
