Hibernian Football Club have decided to part ways with 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, a loss that saw the Edinburgh side fall to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
While the club has managed to reach the semi‑finals of the League Cup, they also suffered a disappointing exit from European competition after being beaten by Gent in the Conference League play‑off round. The recent form has been particularly stark at Easter Road, where Hibs have now endured six consecutive home defeats in the league – a run that matches a club record dating back to 1920. Gray, who was given a permanent three‑year contract in June 2024 after several interim spells, became a beloved figure at the club when he scored the decisive goal against Rangers in 2016, ending a 114‑year wait for the Scottish Cup. At 38, he retired from playing five years ago to focus on coaching, and his early tenure as manager looked promising, delivering a third‑place finish in the 2024/25 campaign after the team had only managed fifth place the previous season.
However, with Hibs now only two points clear of the relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy felt a change was inevitable. The decision marks the sixth permanent managerial appointment in less than five years, following the exits of Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, Nick Montgomery in May 2024 and now Gray. Assistant coach John Potter will step in as interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen, while the club has indicated that a new permanent head coach will be announced in due course. Executive chairman Ian Gordon issued a statement praising Gray’s contribution: "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 defeat to Kilmarnock.
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 sacking underscores the volatility that has plagued Hibernian’s managerial department in recent years. Frequent changes at the helm have made it difficult to establish a long‑term playing philosophy, and the club’s recent struggles on the field reflect that instability.
Fans have expressed a mixture of disappointment and hope, recognizing Gray’s contributions while also demanding a fresh direction that can halt the slide and restore competitive momentum. Looking ahead, the interim period under John Potter will be crucial.
Potter, who has been part of the coaching staff for several seasons, will need to steady the ship, motivate the squad, and perhaps secure a point or two against Aberdeen to buy the club some breathing space. Meanwhile, the board will be scouting for a permanent replacement who can bring a clear tactical identity, improve home form, and re‑ignite the ambition that once saw Hibs challenge for top‑flight honours. The broader context of Scottish football also adds pressure. With clubs like Celtic, Rangers, and Aberdeen consistently performing at higher levels, Hibernian must close the gap quickly to avoid a relegation battle that could have financial and sporting repercussions.
The upcoming transfer window will be another opportunity for the club to reinforce the squad, but without a stable managerial vision, new signings may struggle to adapt. In summary, David Gray’s departure marks the end of a brief but eventful chapter at Hibernian. His legacy includes a memorable Scottish Cup heroics moment, a respectable league finish, and a reputation for professionalism. Yet the recent string of poor results, especially at home, forced the board’s hand.
As the club prepares for its next chapter, supporters will be watching closely, hoping that the new appointment can bring the consistency, resilience, and attacking flair needed to revive Hibs’ fortunes and restore pride at Easter Road.