March 27, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings coach Jim Hiller plays during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Image The Los Angeles Kings fired head coach Jim Hiller on Sunday after three seasons and appointed DJ Smith as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
The Kings also named player development coach Matt Greene as an assistant coach.
Los Angeles (24-21-14, 62 points) recorded 3 points in the final wild card spot of the Western Conference, which opens on the 29th. The Kings dropped their first two games since the Olympic break, including a lopsided 8-1 decision to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday when fans repeatedly chanted “Fire Heelers” before Saturday’s 2-0 win over the Calgary Flames.
Hiller, 56, has a 93-58-24 record in 175 games behind the bench in Los Angeles. He originally joined the Kings as an assistant coach in July 2022 after serving as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings (2014-15), Toronto Maple Leafs (2015-19) and New York Islanders (2019-22).
“I want to thank Jim Hiller for his dedication, professionalism and commitment he shows to our players and our team every day,” said Kings executive vice president and general manager Ken Holland. “He is a respected coach and person and we appreciate the work he has 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. These decisions are never made lightly, but our responsibility is to position this team for success now and moving forward.”
As a player, Hiller appeared in 63 career games for the Kings, Red Wings, and New York Rangers, recording 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) and 116 penalty minutes. He was drafted by the Kings in the 10th round of the 1989 NHL Draft.
Smith, 48, served as the head coach of the Ottawa Senators from 2019-24 and compiled a 131-154-32 record before joining Los Angeles on February 5, 2024. He also served as an assistant coach for the Maple Leafs (2015-19).
–Field level media
