Damon Wayans Jr. Leaving Fox’s ‘New Girl’ – Again

Zooey Deschanel comedy is without a “Coach” once more

Adam Taylor/FOX

Damon Wayans Jr. is departing Fox’s “New Girl” — yes, again.

The is the actor’s second time leaving the comedy. After the 2011 pilot, Wayans Jr. chose NBC’s “Happy Endings” over “New Girl.” As a result, Fox kinda-sorta replaced him with current co-star Lamorne Morris, albeit in a different role.

Wayans Jr. played/plays Coach, now a gym teacher at the titular character’s school. Morris plays new cop Winston Bishop.

“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 Jr. said on Thursday. “Working with this incredibly talented and funny cast and crew has been one of the best experiences of my career.”

“We love Damon and are so lucky to have had him return for the past season-and-a-half,” Executive Producer Liz Meriwether added. “We are 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.”

“The New Girl” stars Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield and Hannah Simone.

TV Line first reported the news of Wayans Jr.’s departure.

“New Girl” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Fox.

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