Los Angeles Kings Fire Jim Hiller, Turn to D.J. Smith to Salvage Season
Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images
Written By Gina Anton
The Los Angeles Kings have relieved head coach Jim Hiller of his duties, naming associate coach D.J. Smith interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025–26 NHL season. The move comes with the Kings fighting to remain in contention in a tightly packed Western Conference wild-card race.
Hiller, 56, concludes his time in Los Angeles with a 93-58-24 record across parts of three seasons behind the bench. He assumed the role on an interim basis in February 2024 before earning the position full-time and guiding the club to consecutive playoff appearances. The 2024–25 campaign marked a high point in the regular season, as the Kings recorded a franchise-best 48 victories. However, postseason progress proved elusive, with the team unable to advance beyond the opening round.
This season has unfolded differently. As of March 1, 2026, Los Angeles held a 24-21-14 record, leaving the club outside the Western Conference wild-card picture. Extended stretches of uneven results and difficulty generating sustained offense ultimately prompted management to make a leadership change.
General manager and vice president of hockey operations Ken Holland addressed the decision in a team 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. 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.”
The decision follows a challenging run of performances, including a decisive loss to the Edmonton Oilers, that intensified scrutiny around the team’s direction. While the Kings remained within reach of a playoff position, the organization opted for a shift aimed at maximizing its roster during the season’s final stretch.
Smith, 48, steps into the interim role bringing prior NHL head coaching experience from his tenure with the Ottawa Senators. He inherits a group that has shown defensive structure at times but has struggled to produce consistent scoring, particularly at even strength.
Joining Smith behind the bench will be Matt Greene, the Kings’ player development coach and a former defenseman for the franchise. Greene’s familiarity with the organization and experience as a player adds continuity during a period of transition.
With the regular season entering a critical phase, the Kings now turn their focus to stabilizing their performance and reestablishing momentum. Whether the change behind the bench produces the desired response will likely determine if Los Angeles can reinsert itself into the postseason conversation.
