Report: Coyotes receive permission to interview Todd Nelson for coaching vacancy

For the first time since the 2009 offseason, the Arizona Coyotes have a head coaching vacancy, and it appears Todd Nelson will be the first one to get a crack at the job.

The Coyotes received permission from the Red Wings to interview Nelson, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.

Nelson is fresh off a Calder Cup victory with Detroit's AHL team, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Related: 5 candidates to become next Coyotes coach

Prior to coaching the Griffins, Nelson was the bench boss of the Edmonton Oilers, compiling a record of 17-25-9 after taking over for Dallas Eakins 32 games into the 2014-15 season.

This was, of course, the pre-Connor McDavid Oilers, who didn't really have a chance to go anywhere, even if Scotty Bowman was behind the bench.

Nelson, a former defenseman, spent most of his playing days in the minors, totaling three NHL games played.

The sudden head coaching vacancy comes in the wake of the organization's decision to mutually agree to part ways with longtime head coach Dave Tippett.

The Coyotes and associate coach Jim Playfair have also mutually agreed to part ways, according to Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic, opening the door for the next head coach of the team to assemble his own staff.