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 heels 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‑final stage of the League Cup, they suffered a further setback in European competition, being eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent. The recent run of poor results is part of a broader pattern that stretches back to the previous campaign.
Hibs have now endured six consecutive league defeats at Easter Road, a streak that matches a club record set in 1920. Gray, who was given a permanent three‑year contract in June 2024 after serving as interim manager on four separate occasions, was unable to halt the slide.
The 38‑year‑old former player, who hung up his boots five years ago to pursue a coaching career, is remembered fondly by supporters for his dramatic 2016 goal that secured a Scottish Cup triumph over Rangers, ending a 114‑year wait for the trophy. When Gray first took charge on a full‑time basis, the outlook was promising. In his inaugural season as permanent manager, Hibernian finished third in the 2024/25 league campaign, improving on a fifth‑place finish the year before.
However, the recent dip in form – with the club now only two points clear of the relegation zone – prompted the board to act. The Easter Road hierarchy concluded that a change was necessary to try and reverse the downward trajectory. This sacking marks the sixth permanent appointment in less than five years for Hibernian. The club has cycled through a series of managers, starting with Jack Ross, who departed in December 2021, followed by Shaun Maloney five months later, then Lee Johnson the following year, Nick Montgomery in the summer of May 2024, and now David Gray.
In the interim, first‑team coach John Potter will step in for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Aberdeen, while the club has issued a statement indicating that a new permanent head coach will be announced "in due course." Executive Chairman Ian Gordon released a statement expressing gratitude for 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 himself remained defiant after the loss 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 dismissal of Gray underscores the volatility that has characterised Hibernian's managerial situation in recent years. Frequent changes at the helm can disrupt continuity, affect player morale, and make it harder to implement a long‑term playing philosophy. Supporters and analysts alike have debated whether the club's board should grant a manager a longer runway to build a squad, or whether a more decisive approach is required to stave off relegation threats. Looking ahead, Hibernian will need to stabilise quickly.
The interim appointment of John Potter offers a short‑term solution, but the club must identify a permanent manager who can restore confidence, improve defensive solidity, and rekindle the attacking flair that once made Easter Road a feared venue. Potential candidates may include experienced Scottish Premiership coaches with a track record of turning around struggling sides, or perhaps a promising up‑and‑coming manager from abroad willing to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of Scottish football. Beyond the immediate coaching change, the club faces broader challenges.
Their recent European exit to Gent highlighted a gap in quality when competing on the continental stage. Strengthening the squad during the upcoming transfer window will be essential, particularly in midfield depth and defensive resilience. The board will also need to address fan engagement, as supporters have expressed frustration over the lack of home victories and the perception of a club in perpetual transition. In summary, Hibernian's decision to part ways with David Gray reflects a critical juncture for the club.
With the team hovering near the relegation zone, a swift and considered response is vital. Whether the next permanent manager can break the six‑game home losing streak, restore the club's competitive edge, and bring back the stability that fans crave remains to be seen.
The coming weeks will be decisive for the future trajectory of Hibernian FC.