The Los Angeles Kings have replaced head coach Jim Hiller, naming assistant head coach D.J. Smith as the interim leader for the remainder of the 2025–26 season. The move comes as the club struggles for traction in a tight Western Conference race and looks to reset ahead of the playoff stretch.
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Hiller, who stepped behind the Kings’ bench in February 2024 after Todd McLellan’s departure, departs Los Angeles with a regular-season record of 93–58 and a 3–8 mark in the postseason. Before joining the Kings, he spent nearly five seasons as head coach of the Ottawa Senators.
Why the timing matters
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General manager Ken Holland framed the decision as one taken to give the roster a better chance to reach its potential. Holland thanked Hiller for his work and professionalism while saying the organization judged a leadership change necessary to position the team for both immediate and longer-term success.
The coaching switch is timed during a difficult run for the Kings: L.A. went 1–5 in February (including a five-game skid that only ended with Saturday’s win over Calgary) and posted a 7–8 record in January. Those results leave Los Angeles fifth in the Pacific Division and three points shy of a Western Conference wild-card berth.
Immediate implications for the club
- Short-term focus: Expect the bench to prioritize quick tactical adjustments aimed at tightening defense and boosting consistency in special teams.
- Player roles: Some skaters could see shifts in ice time as the interim staff evaluates matchups and line chemistry.
- Playoff outlook: The team still controls its destiny but can no longer afford a prolonged slump if it wants home-ice advantages.
- Hiring timeline: A permanent head-coach search may begin once the season concludes; performance under Smith will likely shape the front office’s next steps.
The Kings have reached the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of the past four seasons but have not advanced beyond the first round, falling to the Edmonton Oilers in each of those exits. The franchise’s last series victory came during the 2014 Cup run.
Key numbers at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Head coach removed | Jim Hiller |
| Interim coach | D.J. Smith (assistant head coach) |
| Hiller’s regular-season record (L.A.) | 93–58 |
| Hiller’s playoff record (L.A.) | 3–8 |
| February record (Kings) | 1–5 |
| January record (Kings) | 7–8 |
| Current standing | 5th in Pacific Division, 3 points out of a wild-card spot |
What to watch next: how players respond to Smith’s approach over the coming games, whether the coaching change produces a measurable uptick in defensive structure or special-teams play, and how the front office frames a long-term plan after the season. For fans and bettors, every remaining game takes on added weight as the Kings attempt to climb back into playoff position.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.