It is always interesting to see what former Minnesota Vikings players do after their time in the NFL comes to an end. There are many routes to take once a player hangs up their cleats, but some can't get football out of their hearts.
While some former Vikings players look to other ventures, those who can't seem to shake the love of the game can turn to coaching. Thankfully, there are some great opportunities for passionate people to carve out a niche for themselves in that field.
Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn will be a coach in the UFL with the Columbus Aviators.
On Wednesday, Pro Football Newsroom's James Larsen announced on X that the UFL's Columbus Aviators are expected to have former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn as their defensive coordinator in 2026.
NEWS: Per league sources, the Columbus #Aviators Coordinators are expected to be:
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 14, 2026
OC - Todd Haley
DC - Captain Munnerlyn
Barring any last minute changes, Ted Ginn Jr. has his #UFL coordinators in place. Haley returns to spring ball after coaching the Showboats/Bandits (USFL). pic.twitter.com/S0J0kh4eGL
Munnerlyn spent three seasons with the Vikings, playing from 2014 through 2016. His other seven seasons in the NFL were played with the Carolina Panthers. In all, he played 154 games in the NFL, where he intercepted 12 passes, returning five of those for touchdowns.
In addition, Munnerlyn accumulated 529 combined tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, ten sacks, nine fumble recoveries, and five forced fumbles before he retired from the NFL following the 2018 season.
The 37-year-old is expected to join offensive coordinator Todd Haley under head coach Ted Ginn Jr. in Columbus. The Aviators were announced in July 2025, and head coach Ginn has ties to Ohio thanks to his college play with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Captain Munnerlyn was a seventh-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in the 2009 NFL Draft. The five-foot-nine defensive back was a solid cornerback with good instincts who could bring some of his knowledge to the UFL to help Columbus have a strong defense.
The schedule for the Columbus Aviators during the 2026 UFL season will be announced on January 22nd. At that point, those hoping to catch the team play in their outdoor stadium will be able to start planning for the game.
Best of luck and congratulations to former Minnesota Vikings defender Captain Munnerlyn on his newly acquired defensive coordinator role with the Columbus Aviators. Hopefully, he can continue to find success in the sport of football and help Ohio see a few more wins on a football field since the NFL has been a letdown to many fans in the Buckeye State as of late.