Hibernian Football Club have terminated the contract of head coach David Gray as the team languishes in ninth place in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes on the back of a dismal run of form, highlighted by a fourth league defeat in just six matches this campaign, most recently a loss to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the side managed to reach the semi‑finals of the Scottish League Cup, their European ambitions were halted when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent. The defeat added to a growing list of setbacks that have seen the Easter Road outfit endure six straight home league losses – a streak that matches a club record dating back to 1920.
Gray, who was given a permanent three‑year contract in June 2024 after serving a fourth spell as interim manager, has been a familiar face at Hibs for many years. The 38‑year‑old former player retired from the pitch five years ago to pursue a coaching career and is remembered fondly by supporters for scoring the winning goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a moment that ended a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy. His early tenure as full‑time manager looked promising, with Hibernian finishing third in the 2024/25 season, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish recorded the previous year.
However, recent results have been starkly different. The team now sits just two points above the relegation zone, prompting the club’s hierarchy to conclude that a change is necessary.
The sacking marks the sixth permanent managerial appointment in less than five years for Hibs. The club has seen a rapid turnover of coaches, with Jack Ross departing in December 2021, Shaun Maloney leaving five months later, Lee Johnson exiting the following year, Nick Montgomery parting ways in May 2024, and now David Gray.
In the short term, first‑team coach John Potter will step in as caretaker for the upcoming match against Aberdeen, while the board has indicated that a new permanent manager will be named in due course. Executive Chairman Ian Gordon issued a statement praising Gray’s contributions: "Dave has been an inspirational figure at the club during his time here, and he has been a true friend and fantastic colleague to so many at the football club. On behalf of my family, I would like to personally thank him for everything he has done for us since we joined the club.
As a person, he constantly set the standard with his attitude, professionalism and general work ethic and he will be sorely missed around the building by all the players and staff. On the pitch, he has delivered some incredible moments for our fans, and brought a level of stability and consistency that we haven't reached in recent years. Ultimately, this is a decision that we have not taken lightly, but unfortunately, one as a board we had to make due to the recent downturn of results and performances." Gray, however, remained defiant after the Kilmarnock defeat.
In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports he said: "I've been here during difficult times and I've been here during good times and you can't just say it's brilliant when things are going well and then not expect a bit of criticism when things aren't. In terms of asking for patience, the fans are frustrated because we're not achieving what we need to be at this stage and winning enough games consistently, especially at home.
And I accept that. All I can say is until someone tells me otherwise, I will be doing everything in my power, everything I possibly can as I have done at this football club to turn it around and I believe we can. It's a difficult time for everybody, the players, football club, because we've lost again off the back of a good result at the weekend and then failed to back it up again." The dismissal underscores the pressure that Scottish clubs face to deliver immediate results, particularly when financial constraints limit the ability to rebuild over multiple seasons. Hibernian’s recent struggles have also highlighted deeper issues, such as a lack of goal‑scoring potency at Easter Road, defensive frailties, and an inability to convert home advantage into points.
Fans have expressed growing concern over the club’s direction, noting that the once‑consistent performances that saw the team challenge for European spots have faded. Looking ahead, the club must address several key areas to reverse its fortunes. Strengthening the squad during the upcoming transfer window will be essential, with particular emphasis on adding a prolific striker and a reliable centre‑back to shore up a leaky defence.
Additionally, the new manager will need to instil a clear tactical identity that balances attacking flair with defensive solidity, a balance that has been missing under Gray’s later tenure. The interim period under John Potter offers a brief window for the players to regroup and demonstrate resilience. A positive result against Aberdeen could provide a morale boost and perhaps buy the club some breathing space while the search for a permanent replacement continues.
Historically, Hibs have thrived under managers who could blend youthful energy with experienced leadership, a formula the board will likely consider when appointing their next head coach. In summary, David Gray’s exit marks the end of a brief but eventful chapter at Hibernian. While his legacy includes memorable moments—most notably the 2016 Scottish Cup heroics—his recent inability to halt a slide down the table has forced the club’s hand. The coming weeks will be crucial as Hibs aim to stabilise their league position, re‑ignite their cup ambitions, and restore confidence among a fan base that has endured a challenging season.