Ted Ginn Jr., the newly appointed head coach of the Columbus Aviators, was arrested on April 11, 2026, for driving while intoxicated in Tarrant County, Texas. This incident comes just one day before his scheduled coaching debut against the Dallas Renegades.

Prior to this development, expectations were high for Ginn, who was set to lead the Aviators after being named head coach in December 2025. However, the situation took a drastic turn when he was stopped by police at 12:58 a.m. for traffic violations and subsequently arrested.

Ginn was booked into the county jail at approximately 3:30 p.m. and released on a $1,000 bond by 8 p.m. the same day. His arrest has raised concerns about his ability to fulfill his coaching duties, prompting the Aviators’ offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, to step in as the acting head coach for the game on April 12.

In a social media post, Ginn acknowledged his mistake, stating, “I made a serious mistake and take full responsibility for my actions.” He further expressed his understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a leader and role model, emphasizing that falling short of these expectations is not something he takes lightly.

Russ Brandon, a representative of the Columbus Aviators, confirmed the incident, 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 underscores the urgency of the situation as the team prepares for their upcoming game.

Ginn, who turned 41 on April 12, has a storied history as a former NFL player, having spent 14 years in the league and holding the record for the Big Ten’s career leader in punt return touchdowns with six. His transition to coaching was seen as a promising new chapter in his career.

The immediate effects of this incident are significant, not only for Ginn but also for the Columbus Aviators as they navigate the fallout. The team must now adjust to the absence of their head coach just hours before a crucial game, which could impact their performance on the field.

As the situation develops, the implications for Ginn’s coaching career and the Aviators’ season remain uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential disciplinary actions that may follow this arrest.