Ty Burrell to develop NBC reboot of 1990s sitcom “Coach”

The comedy would follow a legendary coach returning to Minnesota to rebuild his alma mater’s basketball program.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:20:54 GMT

Ty Burrell is attached as an executive producer on NBC’s planned reboot of the 1990s sitcom “Coach,” the network announced on Oct. 21, 2026.

What happened

According to Variety, NBC is developing a new “Coach” series with Burrell and writers‑executive producers Matthew Libman and Daniel Libman. The logline describes a legendary coach who returns home to Minnesota to rebuild his alma mater’s basketball program and reconnect with his community. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, is producing the project. Burrell is not yet confirmed as the lead actor, but the reboot is being positioned as a starring vehicle for him if the series moves forward.

What the reports add

Toronto Sun reported that NBC is “eyeing” the reboot and highlighted Burrell’s involvement, while Variety provided additional details about the creative team, naming John Fox and John Davis as non‑writing executive producers and confirming the involvement of Universal Television. Both outlets note that the original “Coach” aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997 and starred Craig T. Nelson as college football coach Hayden Fox. Variety also mentioned a 2015 revival attempt that received a 13‑episode order from NBC but never proceeded to production.

What was said

Variety quoted the series logline: “A legendary coach returns home to Minnesota to rebuild his alma mater’s basketball program and reconnect with his community.” No direct quotes from Burrell or NBC officials were included in either source.

How it came about

Burrell, best known for playing Phil Dunphy on “Modern Family,” has previously run the production company Dessert Whale. His involvement in a sports‑comedy revival follows a broader trend of networks revisiting classic sitcoms, as seen with NBC’s earlier 2015 “Coach” revival attempt. Felo previously covered Burrell’s “Modern Family” work in a profile of co‑star Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Jesse Tyler Ferguson Reflects on Modern Family and New Stage Role).

Key facts

Ty Burrell is attached as an executive producer on NBC’s planned reboot of “Coach.” (variety.com)
The reboot’s logline involves a legendary coach returning to Minnesota to rebuild his alma mater’s basketball program. (variety.com)
Universal Television is producing the new series. (variety.com)
The original “Coach” aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997 and starred Craig T. Nelson. (variety.com)
A 2015 revival of “Coach” received a 13‑episode order from NBC but did not move forward. (variety.com)