Mar 27, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Jim Hiller was formally introduced as the 41st head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 57-year-old comes back to Toronto after previously working as an assistant coach with the club from 2015 to 2019. After being back at the known base, he broke the silence on his new role.
"It is an honor," he said during the June 25 presser as posted by the Toronto Maple Leafs on their YouTube channel. "I don't take this job at all lightly. I know the history."
In their search for a new coach, general manager John Chayka and his staff met with over 25 candidates and consulted numerous players and staff members around the league. Toronto formally named Hiller, the former Maple Leafs assistant, as its choice on June 14.
Apr 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) scores a goal and celebrates with left wing Matthew Knies (23) against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) scores a goal and celebrates with left wing Matthew Knies (23) against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
"I'm just so excited to be back," he added during the interview. "I've watched the team from afar over the last seven years. Excited to be back in charge."
He comes in already having experience with the team. His years as an assistant made him familiar with several core Maple Leafs players, including Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
For Hiller, who grew up in British Columbia watching Hockey Night in Canada and supporting the Leafs and Canadiens with his father, the moment meant a lot to him.
Despite a relatively short coaching résumé, Hiller has built a solid reputation around the league. This will be just his second head coaching opportunity following his time with the Los Angeles Kings from 2023 to 2026.
While he sounded excited about his new role, he stepped into a high-pressure situation.
Why Toronto moved on from Craig Berube
Hiller is the replacement for Craig Berube, who was removed on May 13 after spending just two seasons with the Toronto team. General manager John Chayka, who took over the role in May, shared a statement.
“Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person,” said Chayka as quoted by the Maple Leafs official website. “This decision is more reflective of an organizational shift and an opportunity for a fresh start than it is an evaluation of Craig."
The 2025-26 season did not go well for Toronto. The Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division with a record of 32-36-14.
They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, which was a clear downgrade from the previous year. They had won in the 2024-2025 season in the Atlantic Division and reached Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Second Round.
The main reason for hiring Hiller was his familiarity with the Toronto market and his familiarity with core players.
Chayka clearly said the Leafs wanted "no space between the coaches and the front office," and believed that Hiller fits there exactly.
Hiller is now set to begin his first full head coaching stint in Toronto with an established roster and a No. 1 overall pick entering the team after Friday's draft.
Will he be able to improve the Leafs performance in 2026? Let us know in the comments.
Read more at NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar