COLUMBUS, Ohio Ted Ginn Jr. will return to the sideline as head coach of the Columbus Aviators for their home game Friday, April 18, at Historic Crew Stadium in Franklinton after missing one game following a driving while intoxicated arrest in Texas, according to the United Football League.
The UFL confirmed Ginn, 41, will resume coaching duties when the Aviators host the Dallas Renegades at Historic Crew Stadium on West Nationwide Boulevard. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday evening. The game follows a 28–23 loss to Dallas in Week 3.
Arrest and Initial Response
According to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Ginn was arrested April 11, 2026, in Euless, Texas, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after a traffic stop around 12:58 a.m.
Court records reviewed by CBS News Texas show Ginn was booked into the Tarrant County Corrections Center later that day and released on a $1,000 bond.
UFL President Russ Brandon said in a statement the league was aware of the incident and that offensive coordinator Todd Haley would serve as acting head coach for the team’s April 13 game.
League Discipline and Return
The UFL told ESPN on April 15 that Ginn has been cleared to return after missing one game. The league has not disclosed additional details about disciplinary measures.
Authorities in Texas have not released further information regarding the status of the DWI charge.
Ginn said in a public statement posted April 13 that he “made a serious mistake” and is committed to accountability.
Friday Game in Columbus
Friday’s game marks Ginn’s return in front of a home crowd at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus’ Franklinton neighborhood.
The Aviators enter the matchup 0–3 in the 2026 UFL season. The team lost to the Renegades last week despite outgaining Dallas, with turnovers impacting the outcome.
The April 18 game is a rematch and the Aviators’ next opportunity to secure their first win of the season.
Sources
- United Football League — Official statement and confirmation of coaching status, April 15, 2026
- Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest and booking records, April 11, 2026
- CBS News Texas — Court records reporting, April 12, 2026
- ESPN — Report on Ginn’s return, April 15, 2026
- Ted Ginn Jr. — Public statement via X, April 13, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by Columbus authorities and verified sources at the time of publication. Details may change as investigations continue.