Ty Burrell Coach reboot at NBC leaves the original sport behind
A return to the beloved sitcom world brings a complete format overhaul, nearly a decade after the network scrapped its previous attempt.
NBC is developing a reboot of the classic sitcom Coach, with two-time Emmy winner Ty Burrell attached to executive produce with the intention to star, according to reports on Wednesday, October 21, from TVLine, TheWrap and Deadline.
Sibling writing duo Daniel Libman and Matthew Libman (Mr. Throwback) are attached to write and executive produce the reimagined comedy series. Universal Television and Davis Entertainment are producing the project, with John Fox and John Davis also serving as executive producers alongside Burrell.
According to the official logline released for the project, the comedy centers on a familiar premise with a new setting: “A legendary coach returns home to Minnesota to rebuild his alma mater’s basketball program and reconnect with his community.”
A new sport and format
The original multi-camera sitcom Coach aired on ABC for nine seasons from 1989 to 1997, starring Craig T. Nelson as college football coach Hayden Fox. This new iteration shifts away from football and the traditional multi-camera studio audience setup, retooling the concept into a single-camera comedy focused on college basketball.
This is not the network’s first attempt to revive the title. In 2015, NBC handed out a 13-episode straight-to-series order to a Coach sequel series that featured Nelson reprising his role. However, the network canceled the revival after filming a pilot episode.
Burrell’s return to network comedy
Burrell previously starred as Phil Dunphy on ABC’s hit comedy Modern Family from 2009 to 2020. His work on the long-running show earned him widespread acclaim and two Primetime Emmy Awards, which he won in 2011 and 2014.
As reported by Men’s Journal on Wednesday, early online reactions to the development news were mixed. Viewers across social forums drew comparisons to the tone of Ted Lasso while commenting on the broadcast industry’s continued reliance on established intellectual property.
What we know and what we do not know yet
The project is currently in the development stage. NBC has not yet ordered a pilot into production or issued a formal series greenlight. In addition, Burrell’s acting contract has not been completed, as he is currently attached with the intent to star.
NBC has not announced a production schedule, filming start date or target release window. It also remains unknown whether any original cast members from the 1990s series will appear as guest stars, and no additional casting decisions for the basketball team or coaching staff have been made.
