The search process remains under Holland's direct management as he gathers background information on prospective coaches from respected industry contacts.
“I am the one conducting [the search],” said Holland.
Holland plans to narrow the selection pool significantly rather than conducting an overly broad search across the league.
“I’ve talking to a lot of people, I’ve had some interviews and I have some more interviews planned, trying to gather as much information as I can, both through the interview process and I’ve been around a long time, so I know a lot of people in this industry and if I can’t get the information, I know that there’s people who I respect, other general managers, that I can talk to to get information,” said Holland.
The timeline for the final decision remains open but is expected to conclude multiple weeks prior to the entry draft.
“I don’t need or want to talk to 20 people but certainly would like to talk to four, six, eight, keep it somewhat tight,” said Holland.
The front office will evaluate whether Smith's performance warrants a permanent position or if an outside hire is necessary.
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“The first part of my due diligence was to put a list together and gather information on all those people,” said Holland.
Smith previously guided Los Angeles to an 11-6-6 regular-season record after replacing Jim Hiller, who went 24-21-14, before the Avalanche swept the Kings.
