NBC is developing a modern reboot of the classic sports sitcom Coach, with Ty Burrell, best known for playing Phil Dunphy in Modern Family, attached as an executive producer and potentially its leading star.
The project, reported on October 21, 2026, will reimagine the beloved 1990s comedy by replacing its original college football setting with basketball.
According to Deadline, Burrell is being considered for the central role, although his casting has not been finalized.
What Is NBC’s New Coach Series About?
The proposed comedy follows a legendary coach who returns to Minnesota to revive the struggling basketball program at his former college while rebuilding his relationship with the local community.
Unlike the original series, which used a traditional multicamera sitcom format, the reboot will adopt a single-camera approach.
Matthew and Daniel Libman, the writing duo behind Peacock’s basketball comedy Mr. Throwback, will write and executive produce the project.
Burrell will also executive produce alongside John Davis and John Fox, with Universal Television producing.
The Libman brothers previously worked on Happy Endings and Black Monday, bringing experience in character-driven ensemble comedy.
How Will the Reboot Differ From the Original Coach?
Created by Barry Kemp, the original Coach aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997, running for nine seasons.
Craig T. Nelson starred as Hayden Fox, the demanding head football coach at the fictional Minnesota State University.
The cast included Jerry Van Dyke, Bill Fagerbakke and Shelley Fabares.
Interestingly, NBC previously attempted a revival in 2015, ordering 13 episodes with Nelson returning. However, that project was abandoned before reaching television.
The latest version takes a different approach by introducing a basketball-focused storyline rather than simply continuing Hayden Fox’s adventures.
Will Ty Burrell Star in Coach?
Burrell earned two Primetime Emmy Awards for portraying Phil Dunphy during Modern Family’s 11-season run.
If the new project moves forward with him as its lead, it could mark his first major live-action television series role since the comedy concluded in 2020.
However, NBC has not officially ordered the reboot to series, and no additional cast members, production dates or premiere window have been announced.
For now, the project represents an attempt to revive a familiar sitcom concept for a new generation without relying entirely on nostalgia.
