Los Angeles Kings Make Coaching Change: DJ Smith Takes Over as Head Coach
The Los Angeles Kings have made a significant coaching change by relieving head coach Jim Hiller of his duties and appointing DJ Smith as the new head coach for the remainder of the season. Additionally, Matt Greene, the Kings' player development coach, has been promoted to an assistant coach role. General manager Ken Holland expressed gratitude towards Hiller for his dedication and professionalism but emphasized the need for a change in leadership to maximize the team's potential and competitiveness moving forward. This decision comes as the Kings currently hold the fifth spot in the Pacific Division with a 24-21-14 record, trailing the Seattle Kraken by three points for the second Wild Card position in the Western Conference.
Following the Olympic break, the Kings suffered back-to-back losses, including a lopsided 8-1 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers, before bouncing back with a 2-0 shutout victory over the Calgary Flames. Hiller, aged 56, had been at the helm of the Kings for his third season, taking over from Todd McLellan in early February 2024 on an interim basis. Under Hiller's guidance, the Kings were eliminated by the Oilers in the opening round of the playoffs in the past two seasons, culminating in a total of four consecutive playoff exits.
In contrast, the 48-year-old Smith, who previously served on Hiller's coaching staff since February 2024, brings a fresh perspective to the team. Smith's coaching experience includes a stint as the head coach of the Ottawa Senators, where he amassed a record of 131-154-32 over five seasons from 2019 to 2023 without securing a playoff berth. The Kings are hopeful that Smith's leadership will invigorate the team and propel them to greater success in the remaining games of the season.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Kings have undergone a coaching shake-up with the dismissal of Jim Hiller and the appointment of DJ Smith as the new head coach. With the team aiming to secure a playoff spot and enhance their competitiveness, the change in leadership signals a strategic move to elevate the Kings' performance and achieve their postseason aspirations.