The Los Angeles Kings have parted ways with head coach Jim Hiller after two seasons, the team confirmed Sunday, naming associate coach D.J. Smith as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
The decision comes after Los Angeles dropped five of six games, including an 8-1 blowout against the Edmonton Oilers that prompted loud “Fire Hiller!” chants from the home crowd. The Kings also surrendered five third-period goals in a loss to Vegas shortly after the Olympic break. Although they rebounded with a 2-0 win over Calgary, it wasn’t enough to halt the slide.
General manager Ken Holland, in his first season running the front office, said in a statement: “I want to thank Jim Hiller for his dedication, professionalism, and the commitment he showed to our players and our team every day. He is a respected coach and person, and we appreciate the work he’s done behind our bench.” He added, “At this point in the season, we believe a change in leadership is necessary to give our group the best opportunity to reach its potential and compete at the level we expect. These decisions are never made lightly, but our responsibility is to position this team for success now and moving forward.”
Hiller, 56, took over in February 2024 after the firing of Todd McLellan and compiled a 93-58-24 record. He steered the Kings to two playoff appearances but failed to win a postseason series. Los Angeles tied franchise highs with 48 victories and 105 points last year, only to fall again in the opening round to Edmonton — their fourth straight first-round exit. The club has not advanced beyond Round 1 since capturing its last Stanley Cup in 2014.
Smith, 48, previously led the Ottawa Senators from 2019 until his dismissal early in the 2023-24 season. He becomes the fifth Kings head coach since the departure of Darryl Sutter in 2017. Former Los Angeles defenseman Matt Greene will join the bench as an assistant.
With veteran captain Anze Kopitar in what is expected to be his final NHL season, the Kings are banking on a late spark under new leadership to salvage their playoff hopes.
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