diff --git a/hail/python/hail/table.py b/hail/python/hail/table.py
index 3fbb203d9c6..9febea65b9f 100644
--- a/hail/python/hail/table.py
+++ b/hail/python/hail/table.py
@@ -2567,9 +2567,6 @@ def naive_coalesce(self, max_partitions: int) -> 'Table':
         :class:`.Table`
             Table with at most `max_partitions` partitions.
         """
-        if hl.current_backend().requires_lowering:
-            return self.repartition(max_partitions)
-
         return Table(ir.TableRepartition(
             self._tir, max_partitions, ir.RepartitionStrategy.NAIVE_COALESCE))