It was a sad day for television lovers everywhere when it was announced that Damon Wayans Jr. will be leaving New Girl (again) after the show's fourth season. If you recall, fans were forced to say goodbye to the actor's New Girl character immediately after the show's pilot premiered back in 2011, on account of Wayans' prior commitment to the then-newly picked up ABC sitcom Happy Endings. However, in light of that series getting tragically canceled (which I still am not over, BTW), that left Wayans free and clear to return to our lovable loftmates for another go-round. But before you start getting too depressed over his pending exit (or should I say, re-exit?), take comfort in knowing that there's a very good chance that Wayans character Coach will return to New Girl again throughout the show's continued reign. Perhaps even on multiple occasions.
First of all, Wayans has always had nothing but great things to say about both the cast and the crew over on the New Girl set, which his farewell statement to TVLine more than reaffirmed. "I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to come back to New Girl in Season 3 to reprise the role of Coach," Wayans exclusively told the site. "Working with this incredibly talented and funny cast and crew has been one of the best experiences of my career." So, I mean, why wouldn't he want to come back and see all of his friends again — even if it's only every once in a while? Friendship can be a powerful motivator at times.
And thankfully, it seems as though the New Girl higher-ups are of the same mind. After Wayans announced his upcoming departure from the series, executive producer Liz Meriwether made sure to still give fans a glimmer of hope regarding a future Coach comeback or two. "We love Damon and are so lucky to have had him return for the past season-and-a-half,” Meriwether stated. "We are working on crafting an exit for him that will leave the door open for many more returns…" Many more returns, huh? Sounds pretty promising if you ask me.
It makes sense, though. One of the great things that sitcoms have over dramas is the fact that viewers don't have to worry as much about a character getting killed off and essentially ripping our heartstrings out until they're nothing but mulch (as some shows have a tendency to do). So that lack of morbidity alone is enough to instill some confidence that a few cameos would not only be possible, but highly probable. I mean, his dance moves alone are legendary and cannot be something we're expected to part with on a permanent basis.
So whether it's to help improve Nick's fitness regime again or just to stop by and say hello, fans can be rest assured that Coach will come back in some capacity in the coming seasons. Because, above everything else, you just can't keep a good bromance down. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.
Images: Adam Taylor/FOX (2); Giphy; newgirl-all-day-son/Tumblr
