There is a lingering question about why Coach Mellor (Bryan Callen) was replaced in The Goldbergs season 10. A major player in the Goldbergs’ lives, Coach Mellor will surprisingly be absent from the upcoming season 10. The long-running ABC series, confirmed as renewed for an impressive tenth season, decided to stay away from Callen for the current production.
Surpassing the watershed 200-episode mark, ABC’s 1980s-set sitcom The Goldbergs has seen many faces grace the veteran cast. In recent years, the hit show underwent some major changes in its lineup. Numerous big stars are now absent for a myriad of reasons. Added to that list now is comedian Bryan Callen, whose memorable portrayal of physical education coach Rick Mellor will now be missing from the show. Callen debuted in The Goldbergs season 1; however, he is no longer with the network for good reason.
The Goldbergs season 10 replaced Coach Mellor for a number of reasons. Namely, accusations of sexual assault and misconduct against the actor came to light. Callen has denied the allegations, but multiple women came forward with numerous stories about their experiences of sexual assault or harassment from Callen. With so many accusations against him, it was best for The Goldbergs to show Callen the door. Luckily, there's already the perfect substitute for Coach Mellor. Rick Mellor’s brother was introduced on The Goldbergs as Coach Nick Mellor, played by professional wrestling legend Bill Goldberg, stepping into the role in a satisfactory way. It was simply the best time to exit the role for Callen, mirroring how Jeff Garlin left The Goldbergs.
Goldberg has already fit nicely into the replacement role for a while. Coach Nick Mellor has received praise for his portrayal as Rick’s brother. Bryan Callen’s full-time stint as Rick Mellor ended after The Goldbergs season 6. Rick left William Penn Academy, which left his job to his brother Nick, albeit a smaller role as coach. Callen appeared again just once in The Goldbergs season 7, but he didn't return in any capacity for The Goldbergs seasons 8 or 9. Likewise, The Goldbergs spinoff series Schooled, in which Coach Rick Mellor had a large role, was canceled just after season 2.
Despite the allegations, The Goldbergs executives have claimed that Callen was not part of season 8 because of “plot reasons rather than as a response to these allegations.” Though Coach Rick can endure as more than a memorable cameo on the successful Goldbergs sitcom, the new coach is a permanent successor. It's for the best as Callen's legacy has now been tarnished and The Goldbergs was smart to replace him. Without a doubt, the perfect coach is the irreplaceable Bill Goldberg.