Misryoum reports D.J. Smith is a candidate for the Los Angeles Kings’ full-time head-coach role as Ken Holland begins a wider search.
A playoff sweep ending another early exit has set the stage for a coaching shake-up in Los Angeles, with D.J. Smith emerging as a leading name in the Kings’ hunt for a full-time head coach.
Misryoum understands that the interim coach, D.J.. Smith, will be among the candidates when general manager Ken Holland conducts his coaching search this month.. Smith took over on March 1 after Jim Hiller was dismissed with the Kings struggling at 24-21-14 and outside the playoff picture. before pushing the team to a late rally that secured a wild-card spot.
That turnaround mattered, but Misryoum notes the bigger question now is whether the team’s improvements can be sustained and scaled into a real postseason identity.
Holland indicated the process will be more targeted than open-ended. with a goal of meeting roughly five to eight candidates before making a decision.. He also stressed he wants a mix of experience levels. suggesting the search could consider both seasoned head coaches and potentially assistant options.
The message from the Kings’ front office has been unusually direct about the problems that must be addressed.. Holland said he is not satisfied with the season’s outcome. pointing to the Kings failing to move beyond the first round for seven straight postseasons and their struggles at home. alongside an offense that produced too few goals.. Los Angeles finished with 15 fewer standings points than the previous season, while special teams issues further complicated the campaign.
In this context, hiring the right coach is not only about tactics for next season, but also about whether the organization can reset how it competes, especially in critical games where margins tighten.
Defensively. Holland acknowledged that the club’s long-standing approach has delivered results at points. but he questioned whether the Kings have leaned too far into a trap-first mentality.. He referenced the need for more attacking generation. including from the back end. and he flagged areas tied to power play production and overall scoring output.
Misryoum also notes that the coaching candidate will inherit a roster transition moment.. With Anze Kopitar set to retire after a 20-year Kings career. the organization will need to replace a captain and leadership centerpiece. and it will also be looking for increased impact from players who can handle more responsibility.. Holland suggested Quinton Byfield should take on greater forward-zone duties moving ahead. especially as the team adjusts to life without Kopitar’s unique blend of size. two-way play. and faceoff excellence.
At the same time. Misryoum recognizes that the Kings believe they still have pieces worth building around. including established stars and a group of developing young talents.. The coaching hire will therefore carry the weight of turning that potential into consistent competitiveness, not just playoff qualification.
As Holland begins the search next week. the Kings will be aiming for a head coach who can improve both the offensive profile and the special-teams execution. while sharpening the team’s game plan against top-tier opponents.. Whatever direction Los Angeles chooses. Misryoum expects the decision to be judged quickly. because another first-round exit would raise even louder questions about what comes next.