Capitals Tab Devils Assistant Adam Oates As Head Coach

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Devils assistant Adam Oates worked under three head coaches in his two seasons with New Jersey.

Now he has a team of his own.

Oates has been hired as head coach of the Washington Capitals, the team announced Tuesday.

"Adam was a highly intelligent player in the NHL for 19 seasons," Capitals general manager George McPhee said in a statement. "He has been an assistant coach in our conference for the past three seasons and is prepared to lead our club as head coach."

Oates recorded 341 goals and 1,079 assists over 19 seasons from 1985-2004, including parts of six campaigns with Washington. The former NHL star was hired as an assistant in 2009 by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Oates worked under New Jersey coaches John MacLean and Jacques Lemaire after his hiring in 2010. He stood behind the bench alongside coach Peter DeBoer for the Devils' run to the Stanley Cup finals this season.

The 49-year-old will replace Dale Hunter, who resigned after Washington's elimination in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

How much will the Devils miss Oates? Be heard in the comments below...