COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State standout and Cleveland native Ted Ginn Jr. has been hired as head coach of the Columbus Aviators ahead of their inaugural season in the United Football League.
The hiring was announced Wednesday by UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon.
“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 was a star for Ohio State from 2004-06 while playing under former coach Jim Tressel.
He collected 1,943 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns while also bringing excitement to special teams. He returned six punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns across his collegiate career.
“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 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.”
The Miami Dolphins took Ginn as the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Across stints with the Dolphins, 49ers, Panthers, Cardinals, Saints and Bears, he collected 5,742 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns.
He also returned four punts and three kickoffs for scores.
Coaching is in Ginn’s DNA. His father, Ted Ginn Sr., is the coach at Glenville High School.
“Ted Ginn Jr. represents everything that is great about football in the Buckeye state,” Brandon said in the release. “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.”
