The Toronto Maple Leafs hire Jim Hiller as their head coach, naming him the 41st coach in franchise history. The team announces the move as part of a broader period of organizational change that includes other personnel updates reported by some outlets. Multiple sources describe Hiller, 57, as a veteran coach who previously worked with the Maple Leafs as an assistant earlier in the Auston Matthews–Mitch Marner era. Several reports also note his past assistant role in Toronto about a decade ago under former Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock.
In his most recent stop, Hiller serves as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings for two seasons and is fired on March 1, according to The Athletic, with other outlets also referencing his dismissal in March. Coverage also links the hiring to the club’s coaching search process, including reporting that the Leafs considered numerous candidates before selecting Hiller. Some outlets add that Toronto’s decision reflects his experience with the Kings and his familiarity with the Maple Leafs organization. Speculation ahead of the announcement included other names, but Hiller ultimately takes the position.
