A hybrid controller unit includes a detection module, a gear-hold module, a gear-skip module, and an optimizing module. The detection module is structured to detect a deceleration event. The gear-hold module is structured to determine whether a certain gear of a transmission should be maintained for a certain period of time in order to optimize power regeneration during the deceleration event. The gear-hold module is also structured to generate a gear-hold request. The gear-skip module is structured to determine whether the transmission should skip a gear in order to optimize power regeneration during the deceleration event. The gear-skip module is also structured to generate a gear-skip request. The optimizing module is structured to receive the gear-hold request and the gear-skip request and generate a transmission command to be sent to a transmission control unit for actuation.