Former WHL Coach of the Year Hiller named Head Coach of NHL’s Maple Leafs

Toronto, Ont. – Former WHL Coach of the Year Jim Hiller has been named the 41st coach in Toronto Maple Leafs franchise history.

Hiller was announced as the Leafs new coach Wednesday morning.

“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” said John Chayka, General Manager of the Maple Leafs. “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, 57, got his start behind the bench as an assistant coach with the Tri-City Americans during the 2002-03 season. In 2006-07, he took over as Head Coach of the WHL’s Chilliwack Bruins, where he spent three seasons.

In 2009-10, the product of Port Alberni, B.C., joined the Tri-City Americans as Head Coach. In his first season behind the bench, Hiller guided the Ams to a U.S. Division title and a record of 47-22-1-2. Led by the likes of Brendan Shinnimin and Kruise Reddick, Hiller and the Americans advanced to the WHL Championship where they fell to the Calgary Hitmen in five games.

In 2010-11, Hiller’s Ams once again enjoyed a great regular season, going 44-24-2-2 to finish third in the U.S. Division.

The 2011-12 campaign represents Hiller’s best season behind a WHL bench as he guided the Americans to a record of 50-18-2-2, which was good enough to finish first in the U.S. Division and second in the WHL regular season standings. That year, Shinnimin recorded 134 points (58G-76A) to lead the WHL in scoring, while Adam Hughesman and Patrick Holland both surpassed the 100-point plateau as well, collecting 116 points and 109 points respectively. The Ams advanced to the Western Conference Championship for the second time in three seasons, but ultimately fell to the Portland Winterhawks in four games. Despite the playoff setback, Hiller was recognized with the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as WHL Coach of the Year. He was also named the winner of the Brian Kilrea Award, presented annually to the Coach of the Year across the entire Canadian Hockey League.

Hiller wrapped up his WHL coaching career with one final season in Tri-City before joining the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant coach ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

During his WHL tenure, Hiller oversaw the development of numerous players that advanced to the NHL, including but not limited to: Nick Holden, Chris Driedger, Eric Comrie, Parker Wotherspoon, and Brandon Carlo.

From 2015-16 to 2018-19, Hiller served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After three seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders (2019-20 to 2021-22) he joined the Los Angeles Kings as an assistant coach in 2022-23.

During the 2023-24 season, Hiller was named Interim Head Coach of the Kings on February 2. The interim tag was removed prior to the 2024-25 season and Hiller remained as Head Coach of the Kings until March 1, 2026.

Over his tenure with the Kings, Hiller amassed a record of 93-58-24, good enough for a .600 win percentage over 175 regular season games.

Jim Hiller has been named the 41st Head Coach in franchise history!

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 17, 2026