The Washington Capitals organization is saying goodbye to one of its best coaches, as Hershey Bears bench boss Todd Nelson is leaving to join the Pittsburgh Penguins’ staff.

Nelson will be an assistant coach on new Penguins coach Dan Muse’s staff, joining Nick Bonino and Rich Clune as the other assistants.

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“It was an absolute pleasure to be the head coach of the Hershey Bears and leaving my post with this organization was an extremely difficult decision,” Nelson said. “What we accomplished over the past three years was truly special, and being part of this historic franchise was the honor of a lifetime. I want to thank the Washington Capitals, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, and everyone involved with the Bears organization – from the players, to the staff, to the outstanding fans – for making my time in Hershey so memorable. I’m excited to join the Penguins and take the next step in my career, but Hershey will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Nelson joined Hershey in August 2022 and spent three seasons ebhind the bench, going 141-53-12-10 through 216 regular season games. His .704 points percentage is the best of any coach in franchise history, and he also led the Bears to back-to-back Calder Cups in 2023 and 2024. In addition, he served as the Atlantic Division head coach in the 2023 and 2024 AHL All-Star games.

“The Hershey Bears thank Todd Nelson for his extraordinary three seasons with the club,” vice president of hockey operations Bryan Helmer said in a statement. “We enjoyed a resurgence under his guidance that included returning the Calder Cup to Chocolatetown and elevating the standard of what it means to be a Bear. He is an excellent coach who possesses a demonstrated history of winning and development, and he significantly enhanced our organization in every aspect during his time in Hershey. We are excited to see Nelly make his return to the NHL, and wish him and his family nothing but the best in Pittsburgh.”

Nelson, who played for Hershey, was originally drafted by the Penguins in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He is one of 14 former Bears or coaches to hold a bench coach positiona t the NHL level.

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At the NHL level, he served as an interim head coach with the Edmonton Oilers, and also served as an assistant with the Atlanta Thrashers and Dallas Stars. The 56-year-old also played in seven total NHL games (regular season and playoffs) with the Pittsburgh and Washington organizations.

Hershey and the Capitals will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.