Los Angeles, Calif. (KNX News 97.1 FM/WGR 550) - The Los Angeles Kings have fired head coach Todd McLellan on Friday, replacing him with assistant coach Jim Hiller for the remainder of the 2023-24 season on an interim basis.
McLellan had been the head coach of the Kings since April 2019 after being hired by general manager Rob Blake to replace interim head coach Willie Desjardins, who took over coaching duties from John Stevens earlier in the 2018-19 season.
The Kings have lost 14 of their last 17 games as the NHL heads to the All-Star break in Toronto this weekend. The Kings were 164-130-44 under McLellan during his tenure in Los Angeles.
Blake is scheduled to address the media on Monday about the coaching change.
Hiller will be available to the media on Thursday, the day the team returns to practice following the All-Star break.
"We want to thank Todd for his hard work and dedication to the organization," said Blake in a team statement on Friday. "He has done a tremendous job in moving us forward and making a positive impact on our group and in our community. This was not an easy decision, but we felt the change was necessary at this time. Jim is a well-respected member of our staff who is familiar with our players. We are confident in his ability to lead our team effectively during this pivotal time."
The Kings are 23-15-10 and in fourth place in the Pacific Division. They are the seventh place team in the Western Conference, currently holding onto the first Wild Card spot in the playoff picture.
The Kings are in Buffalo on Tuesday, Feb. 13 to play the Sabres at KeyBank Center.
