Career Timeline of Jim Hiller: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 1, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jim Hiller made an impact.

James "Jim" Hiller is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He currently serves as the head coach for the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL. Before coaching, Hiller played 63 games in the NHL for the Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers. He also played in the AHL and IHL, before finishing his playing career in Germany and Italy. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, starting in the junior leagues.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1989: Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings

In 1989, Jim Hiller was drafted in the tenth round, 207th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.

1991: NMU won the 1991 NCAA title

In 1991, Northern Michigan University (NMU) won the NCAA title during Hiller's sophomore year.

1992: Traded to the Detroit Red Wings

During his rookie season in 1992, Hiller was traded to the Detroit Red Wings.

1993: Joined the New York Rangers

In 1993, Hiller joined the New York Rangers, but primarily played in the minor leagues.

1996: Joined Star Bulls Rosenheim

In 1996, after one season with the Canadian national team, Hiller went overseas to play in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga with the Star Bulls Rosenheim.

1998: Second in league scoring

In the 1998-1999 campaign, Hiller finished second in league scoring with the Star Bulls Rosenheim.

1999: Joined Berlin Capitals

In 1999, Hiller began a two-season stint with the Berlin Capitals.

2000: Played with Berlin Capitals

In 2000, Hiller continued his two-season stint with the Berlin Capitals.

2002: Began coaching career

In 2002, after retiring from playing hockey, Hiller began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Tri-City Americans of the WHL.

2004: Named head coach of Alberni Valley Bulldogs

In 2004, Hiller was named head coach of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).

2009: Named Head Coach of Tri-City Americans

In 2009, Jim Hiller was named head coach of the Tri-City Americans.

2010: Americans reached WHL championship series

In 2010 the Americans reached the WHL championship series but lost to the Calgary Hitmen.

July 30, 2014: Hired as assistant coach by the Detroit Red Wings

On July 30, 2014, Jim Hiller was hired by the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock, overseeing the power play.

June 19, 2019: Joined New York Islanders coaching staff

On June 19, 2019, Jim Hiller joined the New York Islanders coaching staff as an assistant under Barry Trotz.

June 9, 2022: Relieved of duties by the Islanders

On June 9, 2022, Jim Hiller was relieved of his duties with the New York Islanders after the team fired Barry Trotz and replaced him with Lane Lambert.

July 19, 2022: Hired as assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings

On July 19, 2022, Jim Hiller was hired as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings under Todd McLellan.

2023: Kings Made playoffs under Hiller

In 2023, under Jim Hiller, the Los Angeles Kings made the playoffs but lost to the Edmonton Oilers in five games.

February 2, 2024: Named interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings

On February 2, 2024, Jim Hiller was named interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings following the firing of Todd McLellan.

2025: Remained as Los Angeles Kings head coach

Despite being eliminated against the Oilers in the 2025 playoffs, new general manager Ken Holland announced that Jim Hiller would remain as head coach of the Kings for the 2025–26 season.

March 1, 2026: Fired by the Kings

On March 1, 2026, Jim Hiller was fired by the Los Angeles Kings after a 24–21–14 start to the season, including a 2–5–1 record in his final eight games.