Todd Haley Named Interim Head Coach of Columbus Aviators Following Ted Ginn Jr. Arrest

The Columbus Aviators have entered a state of sudden leadership transition just days before a critical Week 3 matchup. The UFL organization announced that offensive coordinator Todd Haley will serve as the interim head coach after head coach Ted Ginn Jr. Was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DUI) in Texas.

The news comes at a volatile moment for the Aviators, who are searching for their first victory of the season. Haley, a veteran of the NFL and UFL coaching ranks, steps into the primary role as the team prepares to face the Dallas Renegades this Sunday.

Sudden Vacancy in Columbus

The arrest of Ted Ginn Jr., a former NFL standout turned coach, has left the Aviators without their leader at the most precarious time of the early season. While the specific details of the incident in Texas remain limited to the DUI charges, the impact on the team was immediate. The UFL acted quickly to stabilize the sideline, promoting Haley from his role as offensive coordinator to interim head coach.

For a team that has struggled to find its rhythm, the change in leadership is a gamble on experience. The Aviators have dropped their first two games of the season, leaving them 0-2 and desperate for a tactical spark to avoid a deep early-season hole.

A Veteran Hand: The Pedigree of Todd Haley

Todd Haley is no stranger to the pressures of a head coaching headset. At 59, the Upper St. Clair native brings a resume that spans some of the most high-profile organizations in professional football. To put it simply, Haley has seen every possible scenario a coach can face, from the heights of a division title to the volatility of mid-season exits.

Haley’s most notable tenure as a head coach came with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009 to 2011. During that stint, he led the Chiefs to a 10-6 record in 2010, securing a playoff appearance and winning the AFC West.

Beyond Kansas City, Haley has built a reputation as a sharp offensive mind. He spent six seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2012–2017), where he oversaw a potent offense that saw quarterback Ben Roethlisberger earn four Pro Bowl selections and lead the league in passing yards in 2014 with 4,952 yards. He likewise served as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals (2007–2008) and the Cleveland Browns in 2018.

Haley is also well-acquainted with the nuances of the UFL and its predecessors. He previously served as the head coach for the Tampa Bay Bandits in 2022, finishing with a 4-6 record, and led the Memphis Showboats in 2023, where he posted a 5-5 mark.

Immediate Stakes: Week 3 vs. Dallas

The transition from coordinator to head coach happens in real-time this weekend. Haley’s primary objective is to reverse the Aviators’ 0-2 slide against the Dallas Renegades. Having called the offensive plays for the first two losses, Haley now possesses full authority over the game-day operations and roster management.

The move is a pragmatic one for the UFL. By promoting from within, the league ensures continuity in the playbook while installing a leader with the professional gravity to manage a locker room in shock. The question remains whether Haley can translate his veteran experience into an immediate win for a struggling squad.

The Road Ahead

While the UFL has solved the immediate problem of who will lead the team on Sunday, the long-term future of the Aviators’ coaching staff remains clouded. The organization has not yet specified if Haley’s “interim” tag is a temporary bridge or a precursor to a permanent change. Similarly, the status of Ted Ginn Jr. With the team following his legal issues in Texas has not been finalized.

For the players, the focus shifts to the field. A win against Dallas would provide a necessary reset; another loss would put immense pressure on the interim leadership and the front office to produce drastic changes.

The Columbus Aviators will look to secure their first win of the season this Sunday. Further updates regarding the status of Ted Ginn Jr. And the permanent coaching structure of the team are expected following the conclusion of the Week 3 slate.

Do you think Todd Haley’s NFL experience is enough to turn the Aviators’ season around? Let us know in the comments.