LA Kings Fire Jim Hiller, Name D.J. Smith Interim Coach

The Los Angeles Kings made a bold move as head coach Jim Hiller was relieved of his duties, and associate head coach D.J. Smith was named interim head coach for the rest of the season.

It’s a significant shake-up at a critical time. The trade deadline has already passed, the window to make roster moves is closed, and the Kings are running out of games to turn things around. This wasn’t a decision made months in advance. It was a reaction to a team that wasn’t performing to its potential and needed to make a change.

What Led to Jim Hiller’s Firing?

Hiller took over as head coach during a midseason change in 2024 and showed flashes of what the Kings could be. There were stretches of strong, competitive hockey. But consistency was always the issue, and February brought that problem to a head.

Lets be real, Hiller was done the moment the Kings had that 8-1 loss against the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings closed out February with a record that left them outside the playoff picture, and that was the tipping point for Holland and the front office. Even with acquiring Artemi Panarin, the Kings were still struggling.

In the official release, Holland thanked Hiller for his professionalism while making the organization’s position clear: the decision was made to “position this team for success now and moving forward.” Those aren’t words used lightly at this stage of the season.

Who Is D.J. Smith?

Smith steps into the interim role having already been embedded in the Kings’ system as an associate head coach. He knows the roster, knows the staff, and understands the culture the organization is trying to build. There’s no honeymoon period with barely two months left in the regular season.

Alongside Smith’s promotion, player development coach Matt Greene was elevated to an on-ice assistant role. The addition gives Smith extra support as he takes the reins and signals that the organization is serious about making this transition work quickly.

What Changes Under Smith?

Coaching changes at this point in the season are rarely about overhauling an entire system. There isn’t enough time for that. What they do offer is a reset — a new voice, a different energy, and a fresh set of eyes on what’s working and what isn’t.

Smith is expected to make tactical tweaks, adjust line combinations, and reshape the daily environment around the team. Whether he pushes the Kings to be more aggressive defensively or shifts how the team manages zone exits and puck possession, the details will become clear game by game.

The biggest immediate impact could be psychological. Players respond differently to new coaches. Veterans who feel underused may see a change in their role. Younger players might get more or fewer opportunities depending on how Smith reads the room. How fast the roster buys in will say a lot about the Kings’ chances over the next eight weeks. Something had to change and Hiller getting replaced with Smith is an option they chose to do.

Can the Kings Still Make the Playoffs?

That’s the question every Kings fan is asking right now — and the honest answer is yes, but the margin for error is slim.

The Pacific Division is tight, and every point from here on matters. A coaching change alone won’t flip the standings overnight, but it can inject urgency and accountability into a group that may have gone a little stale under the previous setup. Early results under Smith will be telling. A quick three- or four-game winning run would change the narrative entirely.

If the Kings do string together wins and claw their way back into a playoff position, it would go a long way toward answering another important question: Is Smith the right long-term answer, or is this a temporary fix while the organization prepares a broader coaching search in the offseason? Was Hiller the main problem? Well, that too will be answered in the next few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the LA Kings fire Jim Hiller?
The Kings cited inconsistent results and defensive breakdowns as the key reasons. A difficult February — including an 8–1 loss — proved to be the tipping point for GM Ken Holland. It was Holland who made the call to change leadership and thus decided to fire Hiller.

Who is D.J. Smith?
D.J. Smith is the Kings’ former associate head coach, now elevated to interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025–26 season. He will handle game plans, lineup decisions, and all day-to-day coaching responsibilities while management evaluates the situation going forward.

Could D.J. Smith become the permanent head coach?
It’s possible. It depends if the LA Kings make the NHL playoffs and how the rest of the season goes.

What Happens Next for the LA Kings?

Smith’s first challenge is immediate — he leads the team into their next slate of regular-season games with the spotlight fully on him and the roster.

If the Kings respond well, Smith becomes a legitimate candidate for the permanent head coaching role. If the slide continues despite the change, Holland will likely go into the offseason with a full search on his hands. Either way, the front office has made it clear they’re not willing to sit on their hands when the team falls short of expectations. For now, all eyes are on D.J. Smith.