Sad news for fans of New Girl - Coach is hanging up his boots.  Actor Damon Wayans Jr. has announced his departure from the hit FOX show. He will leave the series at the conclusion of the current series. Wayans Jr, who previously starred in sitcoms My Wife and Kids and Happy Endings said: “I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to come back to New Girl in season three to reprise the role of Coach. Working with this incredibly talented and funny cast and crew has been one of the best experiences of my career.” Loyal viewers will remember that the star appeared in the pilot episode of the New Girl, but before it was picked up for series he was already working on Happy Endings. He remained with that cast until the show's cancellation in early 2013, before returning to New Girl and reprising his role. New Girl executive producer Liz Meriwether said: “We love Damon and are so lucky to have had him return for the past season-and-a-half." She added, jokingly: 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.”