ARLINGTON, Texas — Jalan McClendon, the quarterback, has attended several fan gatherings during his tenure in spring football leagues, be it with the XFL or the UFL.
“Perhaps only twenty individuals would appear,” remarked McClendon, currently a member of the Columbus Aviators, “however, at the event in Columbus, that was indeed my initial anticipation going into it, yet upon our arrival, I exclaimed, ‘Goodness me!’ Approximately a thousand attendees were present, and it was snowing.”
On that particular day, the loudest acclamations were reserved for Ted Ginn Jr., the Aviators’ coach. Between 2004 and 2006, he excelled at Ohio State University. In the BCS National Championship game versus Florida, he brought back the initial kickoff for a score. Across 37 contests as a Buckeye, he amassed 4,068 total offensive yards and 26 scores. A half dozen of these scores originated from punt returns, with two from kickoffs.
Despite enjoying a 14-year career in the NFL across half a dozen distinct franchises, he is quintessentially from Ohio, having been raised in Cleveland. His high school matches took place at Historic Crew Stadium, the venue where the Aviators are set to host their contests.
“It’s profoundly significant,” Ginn expressed regarding his presence in Columbus. “Moreover, I command my exclusive attention. I’m not required to contend with anyone. It’s solely the Aviators, solely Ted Ginn. There’s no need to be concerned about the Browns or Bengals being televised. Neither Ohio State nor Friday night football takes precedence. My sole desire is to introduce a quality squad to the community.”
Ginn’s designation as one of the UFL’s eight leading coaches is not an anomaly. He stands among four individuals embarking on their initial head coaching roles at the professional echelon.
AJ McCarron, a former UFL player from two seasons prior, now guides the Birmingham Stallions, situated roughly 60 miles from the University of Alabama, the institution where he steered the Crimson Tide to a pair of national titles. Preceding a decade-long NFL tenure, Chris Redman established numerous benchmarks as a signal-caller at Louisville, his native city. Presently, he serves as the head coach for the Louisville Kings.
Ricky Proehl is credited with one of the most memorable receptions in the annals of the St. Louis Rams — specifically, the game-winning touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 1999 NFC Championship Game. Having previously served as an assistant for the St. Louis Battlehawks, he now resumes leadership as their head coach.
The remaining fresh coaching appointments within the league are recognizable figures. Rick Neuheisel assumes command of the Dallas Renegades, while Kevin Sumlin, whose trajectory to the top coaching positions at Texas A&M and Arizona commenced at the University of Houston, currently leads the Houston Gamblers.
The sole coaches making a comeback to the league are Shannon Harris, from the reigning UFL champion DC Defenders, and Anthony Becht, relocating from St. Louis to take charge of the Orlando Storm.
The connections linking Ginn, McCarron, and Redman—all prominent figures in their respective college towns or regions—were intentionally established, as Mike Repole, the UFL’s latest investor and billionaire originator of Vitaminwater and Bodyarmor sports beverages, aimed to partly revitalise the spring league’s image.
“It was fundamentally about local appeal, local appeal, local appeal,” stated Repole, who has emerged as the league’s primary contact. “My objective was to feature individuals who connected with the local populace to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, I sought individuals who were not merely identifiable, but also esteemed both within and beyond the confines of the gridiron.”
Moreover, he required individuals with a desire to instruct.
Ginn had been mentoring athletes alongside his father, Ted Sr., a venerated coaching figure in Cleveland. McCarron had engaged with secondary school students and mentioned having prospects for college offensive coordinator roles. He briefly campaigned for Alabama’s lieutenant governorship, yet abandoned that endeavor once the Stallions’ position became available,
Redman, having concluded his NFL career in 2011, was additionally guiding high school football teams.
“It’s gratifying to observe individuals receiving a chance—men who grasp the sport, comprehend its intricacies thoroughly, and have participated in it for an extended period,” McCarron stated.
McCarron was en route to his residence from the Alabama governor’s mansion when he received a phone call from Russ Brandon, the UFL president and CEO, who informed him that he was their prime candidate to succeed Skip Holtz, the former Stallions coach who had secured two USFL championships and the UFL title in 2024. Holtz declared in December his intention to withdraw from the role, though not to retire from coaching entirely.
On the subsequent day, McCarron received the employment offer.
how the deal got done 👀
watch the FULL Inside Training Camp episode at the link below!
🔗: https://t.co/P2Ad2vn1NMpic.twitter.com/J7EVUIofMQ
— Birmingham Stallions (@UFLStallions)March 3, 2026
In his capacity as a quarterback, McCarron meticulously prepared to comprehend every aspect required of his offense, alongside anticipating the actions of the rival defense. This thorough preparation somewhat streamlined his shift into coaching, though it initially felt peculiar to mentor athletes he had formerly contended with.
“They universally regard me as their coach, and the most peculiar aspect is hearing them respond, ‘Yes, sir. No, sir,'” McCarron recounted. “Consequently, I don’t perceive myself as being particularly aged just yet, but truly, it has been remarkable. Indeed, I’ve derived immense pleasure from this endeavor. I genuinely cannot envision pursuing any other occupation at this point.”
Despite having played under Nick Saban, McCarron is not attempting to replicate every action of his erstwhile mentor.
“Numerous individuals have succumbed to the pitfall of adopting the ‘Saban Way’ while striving to *be* Saban, rather than genuinely being themselves,” McCarron remarked. “In essence, perhaps the most Saban-esque concept I frequently discuss is a focus on the process. Everyone craves triumph. In our contemporary world, expedited achievement is universally sought. They wish to either accumulate wealth rapidly or attain widespread recognition, correct? Few concentrate on the diligent effort required daily, when executed properly, to ultimately attain that objective. Subsequently, once that aspiration is realized, the ascent to the summit isn’t the most arduous journey. The true challenge lies in maintaining your position once atop the peak, given that everyone aims to displace you? Therefore, when I reflect on the principles he truly emphasized and advocated in earlier times, that is likely the most significant lesson that resonates with me and what I endeavor to incorporate regarding mental approach.”
Similar to Ginn, Redman competed under the guidance of his father, Bob, at Louisville Male High School. He earned the title of national player of the year and possessed the option to attend any institution, yet he chose to stay in his hometown for higher education. Drafted in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens, his professional football journey did not commence as he had envisioned.
“I believe the individuals, they held an affinity for me, but I don’t think they genuinely offered their full support,” Redman disclosed. “This sentiment never left me during my tenure in Baltimore. And I suspect it was evident. I perceive that I somewhat regressed in my role as a quarterback.”
Only upon joining the Atlanta Falcons in 2007, where he reconnected with his collegiate coach, Bobby Petrino, did he rediscover the exhilaration of playing. His aspiration is to cultivate that identical positive experience for his present roster of athletes.
While a significant part involved imparting strategic plays,
Redman orchestrated social gatherings away from the field, including a taco Tuesday and a beanbag toss competition, aiming to unite the squad despite having only a brief five-week window before the season’s commencement.
“I aim to embody precisely the kind of figure I would have appreciated during my own professional football career,” Redman expressed. “Consequently, I am now eager to offer them that same encouragement, telling them, ‘Understand, if you’re here, your presence is for a purpose. I hold absolute faith in you.’ And I believe that, regardless of how traditional or outdated this sentiment might seem – even for professional athletes – it’s a fundamental human need to hear such words. Individuals need to be aware that they have someone who trusts in them, and we are all collaborating for the shared ambition of clinching a championship.”
Ginn, a previous top draft selection, was picked seventh overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2007. His current players recall his time on the field. McClendon, for instance, was a Carolina Panthers supporter when Ginn competed alongside Cam Newton. Wide receiver Keke Chism, similarly, grew up as an admirer of the New Orleans Saints during Ginn’s tenure under Sean Payton. Ginn’s rapport with Payton ultimately brought him to his Aviators’ offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, who had been part of the identical Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff with Payton, working under Bill Parcells.
“From the very first day, he’s injected a potent dynamism,” Chism remarked. “Beyond that, he’s shared his profound understanding of the game’s intricate nuances, demonstrating what is necessary to enhance every single athlete on the squad. His focus extends beyond just the offensive aspect of play. … When he converses, one inherently pays heed.”
Moreover, should the occasion demand, Ginn remains able to illustrate proper techniques for his athletes.
“I am capable of demonstrating it,” Ginn chuckled, “though I’m uncertain how many repetitions I can manage, but Icanshow you.”
Ginn, McCarron, and Redman once competed at the sport’s zenith, performing before legions of spectators. As active players, they possessed greater influence over game-time occurrences, especially on the inaugural day. Now, embarking on their roles as first-year head coaches, they stand at the precipice of an uncharted journey.
“How will the situation unfold?” Ginn pondered. “Will I be punctual with the squad’s arrival? Will our return to the changing room be synchronized? How many holding infractions might we incur? My aspiration is to emerge victorious, execute strong rushing plays, and exhibit formidable defense. While I recognize that circumstances rarely align perfectly, in essence, that’s my desired blueprint for the entire day.”
Furthermore, upon the conclusion of their respective campaigns, they yearn for victories, but equally, they wish for their squads, municipalities, and regions to swell with pride.
Redman articulated his personal emotions, yet his words encapsulated the identical sentiments felt by Ginn and McCarron.
“I believe the populace of Louisville will comprehend the profound significance this squad holds for me,” Redman stated. “This transcends being merely a coaching role or a transitional stepping stone for another coaching assignment. For me, this is my preferred place, and this is precisely what I aspire to accomplish. And I anticipate that all these coaches will possess a deep sense of honor concerning their roots and the municipalities where we compete. I believe this injects a heightened fervor. And I envision the league and its entire audience will perceive that dedication.”