New Delhi, March 2 -- The Los Angeles Kings made a major coaching change on Sunday, firing head coach Jim Hiller after nearly two seasons. The team also promoted associate head coach DJ Smith to be the interim head coach for the rest of the 2025-26 NHL season. Notably, Kings player development coach Matt Greene will join Smith as an assistant coach. The move came as the team struggled to stay in playoff contention in the competitive Pacific Division.

The Los Angeles Kings have endured a tough stretch, highlighted by a five-game losing streak in February that only ended with a 2-0 shutout win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday. The team was outscored 14-5 in two heavy losses right after the Olympic break, even after acquiring star winger...