Systems and methods negate the effects of increased motor speed by a hybrid electric vehicle during an engine-off, coasting condition. Upon determining that the hybrid electric vehicle is traveling at a relatively high speed, and is experiencing an engine-on, coasting condition, the hybrid electric vehicle is transitioned to an electric motor-only mode of operation. Negative motor torque is generated to decelerate the hybrid electric vehicle while it is coasting. To optimize conditions for regenerative braking, the hybrid electric vehicle may downshift to a lower gear, increasing electric motor speed. However, the amount of negative motor power that is generated by the downshift can result in an undesirable deceleration experience. This negative motor torque can be reduced based upon the torque multiplication factor at the lower gear to mimic negative torque at the wheels had the hybrid electric vehicle not downshifted to the lower gear.