Leafs name Jim Hiller 41st head coach in franchise history
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Wednesday that Jim Hiller has been named the 41st head coach in franchise history.
“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” general manager John Chayka said in a press release. “He has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players and brings a clear approach behind the bench. We believe he’s the right person to lead our team and help us reach our goals.”
Hiller joins the Leafs just one month after the team fired Craig Berube. In two seasons with Berube behind the bench, the Leafs went 84-62-18, missing the playoffs in 2025-26.
Most recently, Hiller took over as head coach for the Los Angeles Kings midway through the 2023-24 season. He was fired last March and replaced by associate coach DJ Smith. He led the Kings to two Stanley Cup Playoff appearances, losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round in both years.
In parts of three seasons with the Kings, Hiller compiled a 93-58-24 record. He served as an assistant coach under Todd McLellan for chunks of two seasons before taking over as head coach.
Miller also served as an assistant coach for three seasons with the New York Islanders between 2019-20 and 2021-22.
After one season with the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant, Miller spent parts of four seasons with the Leafs as an assistant during Mike Babcock’s tenure. He helped lead the club to three consecutive playoff appearances.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs,” said Hiller in a press release. “This is a special organization with great players, passionate fans and high expectations. I’m looking forward to getting to work with our players and staff and doing everything we can to help this team reach its full potential.”
Before entering the professional ranks, Hiller spent 11 seasons coaching junior hockey. After two years as an assistant with the Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans, he spent one season as head coach of the British Columbia Hockey League’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs in 2005-06, posting a 43-12-2 record. The following season, he took over as head coach of the WHL’s Chilliwack Bruins for three seasons.
In 2009-10, he rejoined the Americans as head coach and spent five seasons with the club, leading them to a WHL Championship Final appearance in his first year. After a disappointing 2013-14 campaign, he took an assistant coaching job with the Red Wings.