The Los Angeles Kings have dismissed head coach Jim Hiller after two seasons behind the bench and have promoted associate head coach D.J. Smith to serve as the team’s interim head coach. The move comes with the Kings sitting three points out of a Western Conference wild-card spot, underscoring the organization’s urgency as the playoff race tightens.
Hiller’s tenure ends in his second year in charge, with the team unable to consistently secure results needed to solidify a postseason position. While expectations for the Kings remained high, recent performances and the standings picture prompted the organization to make a change behind the bench in an effort to spark a turnaround.
Smith steps into the role after serving as the club’s associate head coach, bringing familiarity with the current roster, systems, and day-to-day operations. His promotion allows for continuity in communication and preparation while still offering the possibility of a different voice and approach in key areas such as line deployment, in-game adjustments, and special-teams strategy.
The decision to go with an internal candidate on an interim basis suggests the Kings want to stabilize the situation quickly without a dramatic shift in structure midseason. Smith’s immediate priorities will include tightening the team’s defensive play, generating more consistent offense, and maximizing contributions throughout the lineup as Los Angeles attempts to close the three-point gap separating it from a wild-card position.
For the players, the change behind the bench comes at a crucial point in the schedule. A coaching move in the middle of a playoff chase often serves as a clear signal from management that current results are not meeting organizational standards. How the roster responds to Smith’s leadership and any adjustments he implements will likely shape the remainder of the Kings’ season.
While the club has not outlined a timeline for a permanent coaching decision, Smith’s performance in the interim role will naturally come under close evaluation. The Kings will look for improved consistency, sharper execution in critical moments, and an overall push up the standings as they pursue a postseason berth in a tightly contested conference race.
As Los Angeles moves forward with Smith at the helm, the organization’s focus shifts squarely to on-ice results. With the team within striking distance of a playoff spot, the Kings hope that a new voice and renewed urgency can help them turn their season in a more positive direction.
