Well, it happened.
Sunday morning brought the news that Kings head coach Jim Hiller has been relieved of his duties. Sitting outside a playoff spot with only 23 games remaining on their schedule, GM Ken Holland couldn’t wait any longer. Despite a season that has seen more lows than highs, the club is still within striking distance of a postseason berth, so change had to happen.
“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,” said Holland. “These decisions are never made lightly, but our responsibility is to position this team for success now and moving forward.”
For the remainder of the season, the club will now be led by interim coach D.J. Smith. Additionally, Kings player development coach Matt Greene will join Smith behind the bench as an assistant coach.
If you’re looking for accountability, the Kings should get it with Greene — who was a fearless leader during his playing days with the Kings and was also regarded as one of the most respected players in the dressing room.
Smith takes over after his second full season as Associate Coach in LA. He joined the organization roughly two years ago, after serving as head coach of the Senators (2019-24). He previously had assistant coach experience with the Maple Leafs (2015-19).
Prior to his NHL coaching career, Smith time behind the bench of several OHL teams, including the Windsor Spitfires (2005-12) and Oshawa Generals (2012-15) – where he won the OHL Championship and Memorial Cups in 2009 and 2010.
Ironically, Hiller’s first game as the Kings head coach came in February 2024 against the Oilers, and he nearly saw his final game behind the LA bench against Edmonton, as well. It was after an 8-1 loss on Thursday that word slowly began to percolate that change could be coming. Ultimately, the Kings played another game against Calgary last night before Holland made the move — following a win over the Flames. That sequence of events was similar to John Stevens tenure as Kings head coach, where he was also fired after a win (a 4–1 victory over the Blue Jackets in November 2018).
The Kings will practice later today, in advance of hosting the Avalanche at Cryypto.com Arena on Monday night.
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