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 heels of a fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, a loss that saw the Edinburgh side fall to bottom‑table Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
Although the club managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the Scottish League Cup, their European ambitions were halted earlier this year when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off loss to Belgian side Gent. This defeat, combined with a string of poor domestic results, has intensified the pressure on the managerial position. The recent run of form is particularly stark when viewed against the club's recent history.
Since the start of last season, Hibs have now suffered six consecutive league defeats at Easter Road, a sequence that matches a club record set back in 1920. The prolonged home‑ground misery has left supporters frustrated and the board anxious about the team's trajectory. David Gray was given a permanent contract in June 2024, signing a three‑year deal after serving as interim manager on three separate occasions. At 38, Gray retired from his playing career five years ago to concentrate on coaching, and he quickly became a beloved figure at the club.
He is perhaps best remembered for the dramatic winner he scored against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a goal that ended a 114‑year wait for the trophy. Gray's early tenure appeared promising. In his first full season as head coach, Hibernian finished third in the 2024/25 campaign, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish the previous year. However, the recent slump has seen the team slip to just two points above the bottom of the table, prompting the club’s hierarchy to act.
The decision marks the sixth permanent managerial change at Easter Road in less than five years. The club has previously dismissed Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, and Nick Montgomery in the summer of May 2024. The frequent turnover underscores the difficulty Hibernian have faced in finding a long‑term solution that can deliver consistent results. In the immediate aftermath of Gray’s dismissal, assistant coach John Potter has been appointed as caretaker manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen on Saturday.
The club issued a statement indicating that a new permanent head coach will be announced "in due course," signalling that the search for a long‑term replacement is already underway. Ian Gordon, Hibernian’s executive chairman, issued a heartfelt tribute to Gray: "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 dismissal of Gray reflects a broader challenge for Hibernian: balancing short‑term results with the need for stability and a clear footballing philosophy. Frequent managerial changes can disrupt player development, recruitment strategies, and the overall cohesion of the squad. Fans and pundits alike have called for a more measured approach, suggesting that the club should invest in a manager with a long‑term vision, perhaps someone experienced in rebuilding clubs and fostering youth talent, given Hibs' strong academy tradition.
Looking ahead, the caretaker appointment of John Potter offers a brief period of continuity. Potter, who has been part of the coaching staff for several seasons, knows the players well and may be able to steady the ship for the immediate fixtures. However, the real test will come when the club appoints a permanent manager.
The new boss will need to address several key issues: improving home form, restoring confidence in the dressing room, and re‑establishing a tactical identity that can compete with the league's top sides. In the meantime, Hibernian supporters will be hoping that the next appointment brings the stability and ambition required to climb out of the relegation zone and to rekindle the optimism that once saw the club finish near the top of the table. The coming weeks will be crucial for the club's future direction, both on and off the pitch.