The Los Angeles Kings have fired head coach Jim Hiller after two seasons, the team announced Sunday. Associate head coach D.J. Smith will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season. The decision comes after a rough February that included a five-game losing streak and a 14-5 goal deficit in two losses following the Olympic break.

Hiller, 56, was promoted to head coach in 2024 after the midseason firing of Todd McLellan. General manager Ken Holland cited the need for a leadership change to help the team reach its potential. Smith, 48, previously served as head coach of the Ottawa Senators for parts of five seasons before joining the Kings as an assistant coach. Holland, the Hall of Fame executive known for building the Detroit Red Wings dynasty, is in his first season as Kings GM.

The Kings currently sit in fifth place in the Pacific Division, three points out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has made the Stanley Cup playoffs in four straight seasons but has lost in the first round each time, including three consecutive losses to the Edmonton Oilers. The team is hoping to maximize captain Anze Kopitar's final NHL season, as the 38-year-old center announced his retirement plans in September.