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El Segundo Today
By the People, for the People
Kings Fire Coach Jim Hiller, Hire D.J. Smith as Interim Replacement
The struggling Los Angeles Kings make a coaching change midway through the season.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The Los Angeles Kings have fired head coach Jim Hiller and named D.J. Smith as the interim replacement. The Kings have struggled this season and are looking to turn things around with the coaching change.
Why it matters
The Kings' poor performance this season has been a disappointment for the franchise and its fans. The coaching change is an attempt to get the team back on track and improve their chances of making the playoffs.
The details
The Kings have decided to part ways with head coach Jim Hiller after a disappointing start to the season. The team has named D.J. Smith as the interim head coach, tasked with trying to get the Kings back into playoff contention.
- The Kings fired Jim Hiller on March 2, 2026.
The players
Jim Hiller
The former head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
D.J. Smith
The new interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
Los Angeles Kings
The professional ice hockey team based in El Segundo, California.
What’s next
The Kings will look to D.J. Smith to provide a spark and turn the team's season around as the interim head coach.
The takeaway
The Kings' coaching change is a sign that the team is not satisfied with its performance so far this season and is hoping a new voice can help get the team back on track and into playoff contention.
