For fans of the beloved sitcom New Girl, the loft at 4A became a second home. The show, celebrated for its quirky humor and relatable characters, revolves around Jess Day and her journey with her three male roommates. Among them, Coach, played by Damon Wayans Jr., was an integral part of the original dynamic. However, Coach’s presence on New Girl was marked by several departures and returns, leaving viewers wondering, Why Did Coach Leave New Girl and what brought him back?
Let’s delve into the reasons behind Coach’s intermittent appearances in the show.
The Complicated Story of Coach’s Exits and Entrances in New Girl
Coach, also known as Ernie, was introduced as a main character right from the pilot episode of New Girl. He was the assertive and fitness-focused roommate, contrasting with Nick Miller’s cynicism and Schmidt’s meticulousness, creating a balanced and hilarious ensemble with Jess.
However, viewers were surprised when Coach was absent at the start of Season 2. Winston Bishop, portrayed by Lamorne Morris, stepped in, seemingly replacing Coach without much on-screen explanation. This sudden shift sparked numerous fan theories about Damon Wayans Jr.’s exit, especially considering how central Coach was to the initial premise of the show.
The mystery behind Coach’s season 2 vanishing act was soon clarified: Damon Wayans Jr. had prior commitments to another television series, Happy Endings. This ABC comedy already had Wayans in a significant role when New Girl was initially picked up. Initially, Happy Endings was not expected to continue, which allowed Wayans to join New Girl. However, when Happy Endings was unexpectedly renewed for a second season, Wayans had to honor his commitment to that show, leading to Coach’s departure from New Girl after season 1, as reported by The Direct.
Happy Endings enjoyed a three-season run before its cancellation. With Happy Endings concluded, Damon Wayans Jr. was able to reprise his role as Coach in New Girl. He made a guest appearance first, and then thankfully rejoined the main cast starting in Season 3, much to the delight of fans who missed his dynamic with the other characters.
However, Coach’s story with New Girl wasn’t without further twists. Damon Wayans Jr. decided not to renew his contract after Season 4, leading to Coach’s second departure before Season 5, according to TV Line. This time, Coach’s exit was written into the show with his character deciding to move to New York with his girlfriend, May. While this marked the end of Coach as a main character, it wasn’t goodbye forever.
Coach made several guest appearances in later seasons, including the final Season 7, where it was revealed that he and May had relocated to North Carolina. These appearances ensured that Coach remained a part of the New Girl universe, even after his main character arc concluded.
In conclusion, Coach’s departures and returns in New Girl were primarily due to Damon Wayans Jr.’s acting commitments to Happy Endings. What began as a scheduling conflict evolved into a recurring storyline, allowing Coach to come and go in ways that, while sometimes confusing, ultimately served the show’s narrative and the actor’s career path.
