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 fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, the most recent loss coming at the hands of bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the side managed to reach the semi‑finals of the Scottish League Cup, their European ambitions were extinguished when they fell to Belgian side Gent in the UEFA Conference League play‑off round. The defeat added to a worrying trend that stretches back to the previous campaign: Hibs have now suffered six straight league defeats on their home ground, Easter Road, a run that matches a club record set in 1920.
Gray’s appointment was made permanent in June 2024 when he signed a three‑year contract after serving four separate spells as interim manager. The 38‑year‑old former player, who hung up his boots five years ago to concentrate on coaching, is remembered fondly by supporters for his dramatic 2016 Scottish Cup winner against Rangers – a goal that ended a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy.
His early tenure looked promising. In the 2024/25 season he guided Hibs to a third‑place finish, improving on the fifth‑place position the side achieved the year before.
However, the recent slide down the table, leaving the club only two points above the relegation zone, prompted the board to act. The Easter Road hierarchy concluded that a change was necessary to halt the decline. The sacking marks the sixth permanent appointment in less than five years.
Former managers Jack Ross (departed December 2021), Shaun Maloney (five months later), Lee Johnson (the following year) and Nick Montgomery (summer 2024) have all left the club, highlighting a period of considerable turnover in the coaching department. Assistant coach John Potter has been named interim manager for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Aberdeen.
In a formal club statement, Hibernian confirmed that a new permanent head coach will be announced "in due course". Executive chairman Ian Gordon issued a heartfelt statement about Gray’s departure: "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 loss. Speaking to 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 precarious situation at Easter Road, where the club must now focus on stabilising its league position and rebuilding confidence among a fan base that has endured a series of disappointing results. The search for a new manager will be closely watched, as supporters hope the next appointment can restore the competitive edge that once saw Hibernian regularly challenge for honours both domestically and in Europe.