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 disappointing run that has seen the club suffer four league defeats 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‑final stage of the domestic League Cup, their European ambitions were halted earlier when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent. The setback added to a growing list of concerns for the Easter Road hierarchy.
Historically, the recent form is troubling. Since the start of last season, Hibs have endured six straight league defeats on their own turf, a streak that matches a club record that dates back to 1920. The string of poor results has intensified pressure on the coaching staff and prompted the board to act decisively. Gray’s tenure at the club began in earnest in June 2024 when he was offered a three‑year contract following a series of interim appointments.
At 38, he had retired from playing five years earlier to focus on a coaching career, and he is remembered fondly by supporters for his dramatic 2016 winner against Rangers, which ended a 114‑year wait for the Scottish Cup. His early days in charge were promising; under his guidance Hibernian finished third in the 2024/25 campaign, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish the previous season. However, the recent downturn has seen the club slip to just two points above the bottom of the table, prompting the board to conclude that a change was necessary.
This marks the sixth permanent managerial appointment in less than five years, following the exits of Jack Ross (December 2021), Shaun Maloney (five months later), Lee Johnson (the following year), Nick Montgomery (May 2024) and now Gray. In the short term, assistant coach John Potter will assume interim responsibilities for the upcoming fixture against Aberdeen on Saturday. The club issued a statement indicating that a new permanent head coach will be announced "in due course," signalling that a thorough search is already underway.
Executive chairman Ian Gordon offered a heartfelt tribute to Gray, stating: "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, for his part, remained defiant after the Tuesday defeat to Kilmarnock. In an 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 volatility that has characterised Hibernian's managerial carousel in recent years. Frequent changes at the helm can disrupt player development, hinder long‑term tactical planning, and affect morale among both the squad and the fan base.
Supporters have expressed a mix of disappointment and hope, recognising Gray's contributions while also yearning for a fresh direction that can restore competitive consistency. Looking ahead, the club faces the challenge of identifying a manager capable of stabilising performances, revitalising home form, and re‑establishing Hibs as a genuine contender in both domestic and European competitions. The search will likely focus on candidates with a proven track record of building resilient squads, fostering a positive dressing‑room culture, and delivering results under pressure. In the interim, John Potter's stewardship will be closely monitored.
While he is primarily a caretaker, his approach to the Aberdeen match could provide clues about the tactical adjustments the club may consider under a new permanent boss. Whether the team can halt the slide and gather momentum in the remaining fixtures remains to be seen, but the board's decisive action signals a clear intent to reverse the current fortunes and set a new course for the future of Hibernian Football Club.