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First major coaching change takes place as Kings fire Hiller


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Austin Sabourin
March 1, 2026  (12:21)
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Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena.
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland has officially fired head coach Jim Hiller following a disastrous campaign.

The front office finally pulled the plug on a rapidly sinking season. The entire organization desperately needs a fresh voice behind the bench.
Insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed the stunning dismissal this morning. The sudden coaching change sends a massive shockwave straight through the locker room.
Jim Hiller has been fired as Kings Head Coach per @FriedgeHNIC.

Former Senators Head Coach DJ Smith has been named the Interim.
Former Ottawa Senators bench boss D.J. Smith is immediately taking over as interim head coach. He inherits an absolute mess in Southern California right now.

Kings make first major coaching change

Over his NHL career, Smith has always demanded extreme accountability and a heavy forecheck. The front office expects an immediate response on this upcoming road trip.
With 23 losses already in the bank, the front office is completely running out of patience.
The Kings currently sit near the absolute bottom of the league standings. Management refuses to waste another year of prime superstar talent.
Holland requires solid execution starting right now. The deadline clock is ticking loudly, and players are officially fighting for their roster spots.
After trading for Panarin before the Olympic break, and with it being Kopitar's last season, the Kings want to make the playoffs this year.
With the way things were going, they were set to miss the playoffs, and that's what forced Holland to make the change.
Right now, the Kings sit two spots outside a wild card spot, and are hopeful the coaching change turns things around for them.
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First major coaching change takes place as Kings fire Hiller

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