Coach Is Leaving New Girl (Again)

Damon Wayans Jr.’s New Girl character Coach is once again departing the show after this season, and I honestly can’t say I’m that sad about this.

I’m sad that I’m not sad, because Wayans Jr.’s presence on New Girl was supposed to be a comforting replacement for the hole in my cold heart left by Happy Endings after its cancellation. But Coach seemed to throw off the entire dynamic, like they were always trying to fit him into the storyline.

According to Variety, Wayans Jr.—who is perfectly goofy and absurd as an actor regardless—won’t be replaced on the show. Executive producer Liz Meriwether says they’re “working on crafting an exit for him that will leave the door open for many more returns, especially since Coach is our resolution to the upcoming ‘Who’s Jess’ Baby Daddy?’ storyline.”

Wayans Jr. was initially part of the pilot but left for Happy Endings, opening the door for Lamorne Morris’ Winston character.