The Los Angeles Kings have ended their five-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over the Calgary Flames but immediately made a significant change by dismissing head coach Jim Hiller. The announcement came the morning after the win, with D.J. Smith, the team’s assistant and associate coach, appointed as interim head coach as the Kings focus on turning their season around.
Details of the Coaching Shift and New Staff Additions
Jim Hiller, who took over as head coach on July 19, 2022, finished with a coaching record of 93 wins, 58 losses, and 24 overtime/shootout losses. Before his promotion, he was an assistant coach under Todd McLellan for two seasons and became interim head coach after McLellan’s departure. The coaching change reflects the Kings’ urgency to improve results amid captain Anze Kopitar’s final season and recent struggles, including losses in both games immediately following the Olympic break where they were outscored 14-5.
D.J. Smith, formerly head coach of the Ottawa Senators from 2019 to 2024 with a record of 131-154-32, is stepping into the interim role. Alongside Smith, the Kings have added Matt Greene to the coaching staff as an assistant coach. Greene brings extensive experience, having played nine seasons with the Kings as a defenseman. In 464 games, Greene recorded 67 points with 16 goals and 51 assists, maintained a +21 rating, and contributed 731 blocked shots and 1,344 total hits. He is also a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Los Angeles.
Upcoming Challenges for the Kings Under New Leadership
The Kings face a tough challenge as they prepare to play the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow night. This first game under Smith’s leadership will be closely watched as fans and analysts are eager to see if a change behind the bench can inject new energy into the team’s playoff push. Given the high stakes of this season and the team’s recent losses, this coaching transition carries significant pressure to produce immediate improvements.
