Kings Dismiss Coach Jim Hiller; Appoint DJ Smith as Interim

Casey Halston

Published: March 1, 2026 12:56 PM ET

The Los Angeles Kings have made a significant shift in their coaching staff. The team has dismissed head coach Jim Hiller and appointed D.J. Smith as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. This decision aims to revitalize the team’s performance following a disappointing stretch.

Kings Dismiss Coach Jim Hiller

In a statement, Kings general manager Ken Holland expressed appreciation for Hiller’s contributions. However, he highlighted the necessity of change, stating, “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.”

Coaching Changes and Promotions

D.J. Smith, previously an associate coach, has taken over as interim head coach. Matt Greene, the player development coach, will also step up as an assistant coach. This restructuring comes after the Kings have struggled to maintain a competitive edge.

Team Performance and Prospects

The Kings face the possibility of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2021. Currently, their record stands at 24-21-14, a fall from being a top contender in the Pacific Division. The Kings are now battling for a Wild Card position in the Western Conference.

Recent Loss: An 8-1 defeat against the Edmonton Oilers marked a low point for the team.
Previous Game: A victory over the Calgary Flames offered a momentary respite.
Current Standing: The Kings are three points behind the Seattle Kraken for the last Wild Card slot.

Background on Coaches

Jim Hiller initially took over in the middle of the 2023-24 season after Todd McLellan’s dismissal. Under Hiller’s leadership, the Kings made the playoffs in the last two seasons, yet fell short against the Oilers both times. He ended his tenure with a record of 93-58-24.

D.J. Smith joined the Kings staff before the 2024-25 season and had a prior coaching stint with the Ottawa Senators. During his time in Ottawa, he struggled to lead the team to the playoffs, accumulating a record of 131-154-32.

These coaching changes signal a critical moment for the Kings as they seek to salvage their season and aim for playoff contention.