Personnel Update: Jim Hiller Set to Return, Sturm and Smith Reportedly Interviewed, New Management Hires……see more……
The Los Angeles Kings have made significant strides in solidifying their coaching and management team, with Jim Hiller officially appointed as the franchise’s 30th head coach. Hiller, who stepped in as interim head coach on February 2, 2024, following the dismissal of Todd McLellan, has now secured a multi-year contract to lead the team into the future .
During his interim tenure, Hiller guided the Kings to a 21-12-1 record over 34 regular-season games, achieving a .632 points percentage—the 10th-best in the NHL during that span. Under his leadership, the team clinched its third consecutive playoff berth, showcasing a remarkable turnaround that emphasized both offensive prowess and defensive solidity .
One of the most notable improvements under Hiller was the team’s performance at home. Post-All-Star break, the Kings boasted a league-leading 14-3-1 home record, translating to a .806 points percentage at Crypto.com Arena. This surge included an impressive eight-game home winning streak, the franchise’s longest since the 2010-11 season .
General Manager Rob Blake expressed confidence in Hiller’s ability to lead, stating, “The criteria we were looking for, the different characteristics or attributes, Jim filled a lot of those for us. The best was being able to watch him under pressure situations” .
In addition to Hiller’s appointment, the Kings have been proactive in strengthening their coaching staff. Marco Sturm, previously head coach of the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, was named head coach on June 5, 2025 . Sturm’s promotion reflects the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent from within and ensuring continuity across all levels of play.
Furthermore, DJ Smith, who had been linked to potential coaching roles elsewhere, is reportedly set to remain with the Kings’ coaching staff following Hiller’s extension. This retention underscores the organization’s desire to maintain a cohesive and experienced coaching team .
These strategic moves signal the Kings’ dedication to building a robust and dynamic leadership structure, aiming to break their recent pattern of early playoff exits and reestablish themselves as formidable contenders in the NHL.