The following is an episode list for the American television sitcomCoach, which ran on ABC from February 28, 1989, to May 14, 1997, with 200 episodes in total produced, spanning nine seasons.
Hayden is perplexed when he learns that Kelly plans to go on a date with one of her professors. He obtains her schedule, tries to guess which professor it is, and then the meddling begins.
Note: This was the second episode produced but aired first on ABC as a preview episode.
Hayden's nerves take over when he introduces Christine to Kelly. The awkward night finally ends, but now Christine is upset that Hayden was not more honest with Kelly about their relationship.
Hayden hates Kelly's new boyfriend, Stuart (Kris Kamm), a sensitive theater arts major. But when the team mascot suddenly quits, Hayden must find a replacement. He turns to Stuart for help.
It is going to be a great weekend for Hayden! Kelly will be in the stands cheering for his team and Christine is going to spend the weekend with him at the cabin. But the weekend goes up in smoke when his team loses for the third straight time.
Hayden's team suffers a humiliating loss. At The Touchdown Club, Luther wins a free dinner for correctly guessing the score. To avoid NCAA sanctions, Hayden must suspend Luther.... which is only the beginning of his troubles with his assistant coach.
Note: This episode features the first appearance by Kenneth Kimmins as Minnesota State's athletic director Howard Burleigh.
To celebrate Kelly's 19th birthday, Hayden plans the usual – dinner out for the two of them. But when Kelly brings Stuart, Hayden's mood changes and the night disintegrates into anger and tears.
Hayden's homely ex-wife, Beth (Lenore Kasdorf), is coming for Parents' Weekend. Hayden has not told Beth about Christine because he did not want to upset her, but when a newly slim and attractive Beth shows up, Christine is the one who is nervous.
The team's most ardent – and wealthy – fan dies, and Hayden expects a sizable donation from his will. But when the widow Pamela Rizzendough (Priscilla Morrill) decides to give the money to medical research, Hayden resorts to telling a series of lies to convince her to donate the money to Minnesota State's athletic department.
Note: This episode features the first appearance by Beth Grant as Martha.
Christine invites Hayden to the opera, but he declines, leaving the door open for her to invite someone else. Hayden is jealous, but Christine says she has a right.... unless he opts to define their relationship.
Hayden's team has a chance at a winning season... if they beat their last opponent. But this goal is threatened when their star player decides he is more important than the team and stops abiding by the team rules.
Kelly's new dance instructor Madame Roola (Natalia Nogulich) creates a ballet around the passion of football and asks Hayden to be her technical advisor. He quickly discovers her ulterior motive for enlisting his participation.
It is the end of the season and Dauber plans to hold his annual out-of-control celebration. But Riley Pringle (Raye Birk), the band director and notoriously prickly head of the conduct committee, has an alternate plan to keep everyone in line.
Season 2 (1989–90)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
U.S. viewers (millions)
14
1
"I Don't Know Much About Art, But I Know What Makes Me Mad"
The picture is not pretty when Hayden refuses to attend an art exhibit with Christine. Luther goes with her instead, and actually has some appreciation for it, annoying Hayden.
The game of love is complicated for Dauber when he falls for the coach of Minnesota State's women's basketball team – who also happens to be Hayden's archenemy.
Note: This episode introduces the recurring character of Judy Watkins, played by Pam Stone.
When Stuart and Kelly break-up, Hayden is initially thrilled, but he quickly realizes that he needs Stuart to help him convince Kelly to stay in school.
In the conclusion of the two-part episode, Hayden refuses to attend Stuart and Kelly's impromptu wedding. Everyone tries to convince him otherwise, but it may be the most unlikely of people to save the day: Luther, who says he's an example of what not to end up as in life. Unfortunately, Luther also gets Hayden stranded in a forest fire lookout tower - so with the minister (John Ingle) anxious to get to his next wedding on time, Hayden might not be able to make it back in time.
Note: This episode sees the return of Lenore Kasdorf as Beth Fox and Beth Grant as Martha. James Staley and Charlotte Stewart make their first appearance as Stuart's parents, the Rosebrocks.
18
5
"If Keith Jackson Calls, I'll Be at My Therapist's"
Christine suggests that Hayden sees a therapist about his nervous twitch before his interview with sportscasters Keith Jackson and Bob Griese. Dauber, however, has an easier idea, through hypnosis.
Hayden is overjoyed to be invited to a national coaches conference in Memphis, Tennessee, but he learns that no one is familiar with him. Luther, who is also in Memphis as a huge Elvis fan, encourages Hayden to seek recognition from noted coaches. Hayden receives a surprise talk from Hank Stram, who says there are more benefits to coaching than recognition.
Hayden teaches Christine the art of negotiation when she objects to her new contract at the TV station. Meanwhile, Judy tries to force him to volunteer at the school's fundraising carnival.
Hayden's job hangs in the balance when the new university president turns out to be Elaine Tewksbury (Robin Strasser), a woman he stood up after a one-night stand in Miami.
When Christine leaves him alone at her newly-redecorated apartment, Hayden ends up starting a chain reaction - including a grape-juice spilling Luther, a kitchen fire and a broken front door - that trashes the place. Can he fix everything before she gets back?
With football season over, Elaine Tewksbury orders Hayden to honor his contract by teaching a course on ancient history. Hayden plans to teach a Mickey Mouse course his players can easily pass, but soon learns from the department head that the syllabus requires a challenging regimen on Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Note:Rob Schneider guest stars as the only non-football player to enroll in Coach Fox's history class.
30
17
"Sunshine on My Shoulder Makes Me Happy: A Show About Bird Ransom"
Kelly volunteers to fill in as Hayden's secretary for the summer, but when she gets a dream offer to work with a theatre company, she leaves him to fend for himself. Meanwhile, Dauber starts a football camp for Pop Warner players.
Hayden and Christine offer moral support to Dauber by going on a double date with him and Judy, who are meeting Judy's blue-blooded parents Judge R.J. Watkins (John McMartin) and Merlene Watkins (Nancy Marchand). A mishap by Dauber, Hayden and Christine put the pampered poodle of Judy's mother in jeopardy.
Hayden braces himself for a visit from Christine's mother Mildred (Nanette Fabray), while preparing for the new season with a new star quarterback, Bo Whitley (Christopher Duncan).
Hayden has to sit out an upcoming game after recovering from the removal of an abscessed tooth. Luther has a temporary promotion to head coach in a critical away game, but he must overcome something else besides the other team; his insecurity.
Note: This is the first episode to feature Tom Poston as dentist - and later also jeweller - Dr. Art Hibke.
Elaine Tewksbury recruits Terrence Moses (Bobby Hosea), a reputable basketball coach. Hayden, thinking this is a ploy to edge him out of his job, flies to Boston to convince Terrence's girlfriend Susan Birch (Penny Johnson) how rotten living in Minnesota is.
Note: This episode's cold open features a cameo by Rick Barry as himself - the first potential new basketball coach Elaine brings in for an interview.
37
4
"Is This Your First Time on the Riverboat, Miss Watkins?"
Hayden and Luther go on a recruiting trip the day of Christine's big awards banquet – and end up in a backwoods part of Minnesota with some dangerous elements.
Hayden and Christine break up after he innocently reveals to her antiquing friends (Richard Sanders and Sandy Faison) his plans for the future – because he did not mention Christine in them.
In an effort to get over his breakup with Christine, Hayden joins a men's support group - only to find one of its members (Stan Ivar) is now dating her.
Hayden's ex-wife Beth gives him the perfect Christmas gift: the knowledge that he is not a "marriage killer"... and an idea for a Christmas gift of his own that will make him feel very merry.
As soon as Dauber graduates, he thinks his degree has better uses. He appeals to Hayden for greater responsibility in his job, which is approved, but refuses to wash Hayden's truck, suggesting a respect issue may be at stake.
Hayden takes another run at wealthy widow Mrs. Rizendough (Patricia Morrill), a potential donor who loves dogs, this time pretending to have a dog of his own.
Hayden is made to be academic advisor to Leonard Kraleman (Rob Schneider), a misfit who struggles to fit in. Hayden's advice causes the nerd to try out for the team.
Hayden tries to help Howard have fun on their trip to Vegas. When Howard wins a free dinner with a showgirl and accepts his prize, Hayden worries that he taught Howard too well.
Note: This is the first episode to feature Georgia Engel as Howard's wife Shirley Burleigh.
As happy as Hayden is to have a top-ranked team and be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Luther is worried about the magazine's infamous curse. Meanwhile, Stuart has become a hit in Hollywood after being cast in a children's show Buzzy the Beaver, and makes an important announcement to Kelly.
When all the flights are overbooked, Luther suggests the team see America the old-fashioned way, by train. This threatens to derail Hayden's business relationship with Luther.
"Jake the Snake" Connelly (Robert Prosky), Hayden's coach from when he was a player, comes to his last game before a bowl bid. Minnesota State wins and Hayden sees who he will be taking on in the Pineapple Bowl: his old coach.
66
11
"The Pineapple Bowl: Part 2"
Alan Rafkin
Story by : Nell Scovell Teleplay by : John Peaslee & Judd Pillot
Hayden is glad that his ex-wife Beth is re-marrying. However, after a casual conversation with Hayden, Beth's groom-to-be thinks he is too different and wants out. It is up to Hayden and Christine to give their blessing and assure the couple that they are made for each other.
Christine auditions for a news-anchor position in New York, but it all depends on how it affects her relationship with Hayden. Hayden does not think that is too hard considering that the network has a contract with the New York Yankees, and therefore means free tickets for him.
Luther fights the people who took away his breakfast cereal while Howard hires his wife Shirley (Georgia Engel), as his secretary, much to his chagrin.
Luther is angry with Hayden for attending a bachelor roast with NFL legends Dick Butkus, Bubba Smith, Johnny Unitas and broadcaster Al Michaels instead of letting him throw a bachelor party in his honor.
86
9
"Dresswreckers"
Andre Belgrader
Teleplay by : Warren Bell & Bob Bendetson & Nell Scovell Story by : Elliot Stern
Christine asks Hayden to pick up her wedding dress. Hayden soon regrets considering it hilarious that the dressmaker is a man named Mr. Thind (Patrick Macnee).
The season is over and the Screaming Eagles have been invited to play in the inaugural Patriot Bowl in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Hayden's connection to the American Revolution is anything but proud when players are grousing that a bowl game is meant to be in a sunny area with bikini babes, not at some old historical site in the darkness of winter. Hayden decides to take charge by cutting his star quarterback (the king of the complainers) and replace him with an inexperienced freshman (whose name he keeps forgetting – at one point he calls him "Doug Henning") to show what it really means to be a Patriot who served under General Washington.
Art Hibke mislabeled Hayden and Dauber's Christmas gifts for their respective girlfriends. When Judy sees a ring, she is excited and starts announcing to everyone at the Christmas party, that her and Dauber are engaged.
Hayden thinks Christine is having an affair with her co-star Daniel Carter-Dodd (Leigh J. Lawson) in the commercial.
92
15
"Buzzy Money"
Alan Rafkin
Bruce Ferber
January 27, 1993 (1993-01-27)
68319
N/A
Kelly's ex is required to pay alimony, and ends up giving Kelly $50,000 due to his successful career. Hayden thinks Kelly should save for her future (or invest in the team), and is beside himself when Kelly considers donating it to charity.
Hayden and Christine try another shot at marrying when they accompany Luther to Vegas. Meanwhile, everyone in the casino watches as Luther bets $10,000 on one random spin of roulette.
One of Hayden's old players Eddie Garrett (Bob Golic) is retiring from the NFL after winning a Super Bowl, and thrills all of Minnesota State University when he speaks at an alumni dinner. Privately the MVP tells Hayden that he is retiring to seek cancer treatment. Old demons come to haunt Hayden when the NFL star says his cancer was induced from taking anabolic steroids.
During the off-season, Hayden indulges in his second favorite pastime: practical jokes. Judy is fed up with this and it may spill over to Dauber's business relationship with Hayden.
Hayden attempts to recruit Tyler Roberts, the country's top high school football player, but Tyler's grandfather George (Bill Cobbs) continually has reservations about his grandson going to Minnesota State.
Hayden and Christine make another attempt to wed, and choose a church from his childhood. However, they need to hurry as the church has been condemned.
Hayden thinks he's responsible for Christine's new job as a co-host for a talk show with Carter Brooks (Robert Ridgely). Christine is angered at Hayden for making such an implication, but wonders to herself if that is not true.
After teasing Dauber that he does whatever Judy tells him to do, Hayden encourages Dauber to buy a motorcycle. Hayden then decides to buy one for himself, feeling he does not need to seek approval from Christine. When Christine and Judy meet for an outing, the men scramble to hide their road hogs.
Luther suffers a mishap on the day of the Pioneer Bowl and is hospitalized. Luther also realizes what plays the opponents are making through their signaling, and he must somehow escape from the hospital to warn Hayden.
Rick Williams (James Pickens Jr.), an old friend of Hayden's from his college days, is the father to one of the prominent high school quarterbacks, Johnny (Terrence Dashon Howard). Hayden is thrilled to see Johnny will be considering Minnesota State, until he says that he is not interested in playing football anymore.
Mary Hart interviews the cast of Coach as their characters in this one-hour retrospective featuring clips from the show's first six seasons.
Note: This episode is included as a bonus feature on season 5 of Mill Creek Entertainment's Coach: The Complete Series box set, listed as the "100th Episode Anniversary Special", despite the fact that the episode originally aired as a part of season 6, well past the series 100th episode ("One for the Road") which aired in season 5.
Hayden and Christine feel pressured by their jobs as they try to start a family, while Luther feels guilty over selling his run down car to Mrs. Cumin (Meg Wyllie), an old woman, even though it was a lemon.
Hayden's agent Susan Miller is unable to be in Minnesota for a key game, so she sends a junior agent in her stead. Hayden is annoyed at dealing with someone who is inexperienced, but his ire turns to bafflement when the understudy is an attractive young woman.
When the team receives extra funds from the university, Hayden finds himself at odds with Edgar (Tom McGowan), the fencing coach whose team was not very lucky.
Christine suspects that Carter Brooks' young protege is replacing her. Luther has a bad case of athlete's foot after wearing discarded bowling shoes from the local bowling alley.
Hayden learns that his team will have to win the next game if he wants major product endorsements. Meanwhile, an injury and an academic ineligibility means the only player qualified for a guard position is an inexperienced freshman, and the Screaming Eagles are depending on him to block the other team's star player. The main plot and subplot come together when during a close halftime, Hayden shouts at the rookie to be ruthless.
Jim Collins (Gerald McRaney), a 46-year-old man who is attending Minnesota State on the G.I. Bill tries out for the team, causing Hayden to question his own middle adulthood.
145
18
"Call Me Cupid"
Jeff Meyer
Story by : Jeremy Stevens Teleplay by : Oliver Goldstick & Phil Rosenthal
Kelly is thankful when Hayden exposes her new boyfriend Peter (Robert Foxworth) as a sleaze. A twist of fate gives Kelly a new boyfriend that may leave Hayden with questions: Dauber.
149
22
"Kelly's New Guy: Part 2"
Craig T. Nelson
Story by : Jessie Mason Teleplay by : Alan Kirschenbaum
Hayden leaves Minnesota to coach a team in Florida, the Orlando Breakers, only to learn that Doris has her own game plan, which includes heavy PR by having the team participate in a parade at Universal Studios.
Luther moves into a retirement home community, and has three women: Alice (Jennifer Bassey), Mildred (Georgann Johnson) and Lois (Lois Nettleton) competing for his attention by cooking for him.
Hayden and Christine consider adopting a baby, but their ages may ruin their chances. They are then visited by a lawyer who "has his ways" of guaranteeing an adoption approval, causing the couple to think of what is right versus what is desired.
When Doris fires Rockne Dawson (Nick Bakay), the hostile host of her TV station's post-game show, she offers the job to Christine, taking Hayden by surprise.
Doris looks for endorsement opportunities for the Breakers. She instructs Hayden to sign a handsome player whom he had cut earlier and offers him a contract to model skimpy swimwear.
Due to the Breakers' bottom-of-the-barrel first year, they have a high pick in the NFL Draft – and numerous reporters are looking for the scoop as to who they will choose. With all this attention, Hayden worries he will "flub" the first-round draft pick.
Hayden and Christine go to Julie's Lamaze classes, she goes into labor later that night. When Julie's father Doug and her boyfriend Kevin show up wishing to make amends for their earlier bickering, Christine and Hayden worry that Julie may have second thoughts about giving up her new baby boy.
Hayden's plans for a romantic evening with Christine seeing a performance by Michael Feinstein. However, the plans fall through when she refuses to leave the baby in the care of anyone else.
Dauber dates Mary Beth (Michelle Nicastro), a perky actress who works in a place called Grimmworld, which tells the Grimm Brothers stories accurately. When Hayden considers it odd, Dauber thinks he should consider breaking up with her. Hayden and Dauber actually go on set to smooth things over.
The Burleighs give Tim a limited edition Princess Tiffany doll. Tim enjoys playing with the doll and it does not bother Hayden initially until Luther and male strangers are bothered by it, changing his mind.
Hayden writes his recently-fired former gardener Kenny Montague, a glowing job recommendation, despite him being extremely incompetent in every job he does.
When Hayden, Luther, Dauber and Howard decide to celebrate "Man Week" in a cabin in the Everglades, Doris, Christine and Shirley plan their own vacation.
Luther heads to Las Vegas with Dauber and Howard where he plans to "invest" his life savings in an Elvis memorabilia auction, only to find himself up against Mimi Bobeck (Kathy Kinney), an equally determined bidder.
Hayden remembers how Tim got his name when a baby-naming contest sponsored by an antagonistic sportswriter took place following a mishap at the hospital.
In need of change, Luther is promoted to be the new Breakers' general manager. Former linebacker Dick Butkus is then hired as Hayden's new defensive coordinator – and starts taking over the team.
Doris offers Hayden a contract extension worth $17 million. When Howard reveals other pro teams are interested in having Hayden as coach, he determines he needs to avoid Doris until he makes a decision on accepting the offer.
In the series finale, the Foxes retreat to their cabin so Hayden will have more time to consider Doris' contract offer and discover three men have been living under the house. Hayden, Luther and Dauber think back to their college years after visiting Minnesota State, and the Foxes make a decision for their future.