DETROIT, MICH -- With the recent promotion of former Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill, the AHL affiliate found itself with a coaching vacancy. There were a handful of names in the mix for the job, including Toledo Walleye coach Derek Lalonde, former interim head coach of the Edmonton Oilers Todd Nelson, and Toronto Marlies coach Steve Spott.
It was announced today that the Red Wings organization has hired Todd Nelson as the next bench boss of the Grand Rapids Griffins, succeeding the newly-hired Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill.
Preceding his interim basis with the Edmonton Oilers, the 46-year-old former defenseman had a combined record of 161-105-42 with the Oklahoma City Barons, and the Muskegon Fury.