D.J. Smith Takes Over as Kings' New Interim Head Coach

Tasked with reviving a struggling team and overcoming last season's devastating playoff loss

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Los Angeles Kings have named D.J. Smith as their new interim head coach, replacing the recently fired Jim Hiller. Smith, who joined the Kings organization in 2024 as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate coach last season, is now charged with the challenge of reigniting the team's confidence and identity after a disappointing start to the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Kings' struggles this season have been largely attributed to the lingering effects of their devastating playoff loss to the Edmonton Oilers last year, where they blew a 2-0 series lead. Smith believes this defeat has eroded the team's self-belief, leading to a hesitant and underperforming approach. His primary focus is to help the players move past this setback and rediscover the 'swagger' that characterized their play a year ago.

The details

Smith's initial message to the team has centered on creating a 'fresh start' and emphasizing accountability, effort, and attitude. He acknowledged his own role in the team's struggles, stating that a coaching change often indicates widespread underperformance. Smith aims to instill a renewed sense of confidence and conviction in the players, urging them to take ownership of their individual contributions and rediscover their strengths.

  • On Monday, March 2, 2026, the Kings announced the coaching change, with D.J. Smith replacing Jim Hiller as the interim head coach.
  • Smith's first game as the new head coach will be against the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche.

The players

D.J. Smith

The new interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, who previously served as an assistant and associate coach with the organization since 2024.

Adrian Kempe

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who acknowledged the team has been 'hoping' to win games, rather than playing with the conviction of a team expecting victory.

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What they’re saying

“That particular loss, the way we lost, somehow carried on to this season and it ends now.”

— D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach (newsy-today.com)

“Our guys have to take confidence in that we're a quality enough team. We've got good players, we've got good young players and we've got to start feeling better about ourselves.”

— D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Smith's initial focus will be on establishing a stronger mentality and renewed commitment to effort and attitude within the team. He plans to make 'a couple of tweaks' to the team's play, but recognizes the limited timeframe for implementing significant changes before their next game against the Colorado Avalanche.

The takeaway

D.J. Smith's appointment as the new interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings signals a clear attempt to shake up the team and help them overcome the lingering psychological impact of last season's devastating playoff loss. His emphasis on accountability, effort, and attitude aims to restore the team's confidence and 'swagger' as they look to turn their season around.