The Kings are changing course.
Los Angeles fired head coach Todd McClellan on Friday and named Jim Hiller as interim head coach, the team announced in a press release.
The Kings are in the midst of a season-defining slump, losing 14 of their last 16 games, and as a result, their impressive 16-4-4 start has fallen to 23-15-10, leading them to the Pacific Division. He has fallen to 4th place.
McClellan, 56, spent more than four years with the Kings, compiling a 164-130-44 record in a role expected to help turn the team into a Stanley Cup contender.
“I would like to thank Todd for his hard work and dedication to our organization,” said general manager Rob Blake. “He has done a great job of moving us forward and having a positive impact on our group and community. This was not an easy decision to make, but we believe that change is necessary at this time.” felt.”
Blake, who gave McClellan a contract extension last summer, expressed his confidence in the coach just a few weeks ago, but clearly something has changed.
“No, not at all.” Blake told the LA Times. “Our philosophy here for the last three or four years has been structure, system and design in player buy-in and he’s gotten that from the players. I’m going to get out of the situation.”
After two tough losses to San Jose and Buffalo, cracks began to appear in the team’s foundation as veteran defenseman Drew Doty revved up the team.
“Honestly, it feels like a rock bottom for a while now. It’s frustrating not to get these wins. We’re trying to stay positive,” Daughtry said after the loss to Buffalo. “We’re trying to get back to having fun outside and playing our game, but it’s hard to do that during a winning streak like this. This is an uphill battle for us and the only way we can get out of this situation. The formula is for everyone to give 100 percent effort and everyone to play for the team and each other.”
Hiller joined the Kings as an assistant coach in 2022 and previously held the same position with the Islanders, Maple Leafs and Red Wings.
