Hibernian Football Club have terminated the contract of head coach David Gray, with the team currently sitting ninth in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes after a series of disappointing results, most notably a fourth league loss in six matches this season when the Edinburgh side were beaten by bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the club managed to reach the semi‑finals 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 defeat to Belgian side Gent.
The loss added to a growing sense of under‑achievement at Easter Road. The recent run of poor form has historical resonance: Hibs have now suffered six consecutive league defeats at home, a streak that matches a club record that dates back to 1920.
The record‑equalling sequence has intensified pressure on the coaching staff and the board. Gray’s appointment was formalised in June 2024 when he signed a three‑year contract, moving from an interim role that he had held on four separate occasions. At 38, the former midfielder had retired from playing five years earlier to concentrate on coaching.
He is remembered fondly by supporters for scoring the decisive goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a moment that ended a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy. When Gray first took charge, his tenure appeared promising.
In the 2024/25 season he guided Hibernian to a third‑place finish, improving on the fifth‑place finish the team recorded the previous campaign. However, the recent dip in form – with the squad now only two points above the relegation zone – prompted the club’s hierarchy to conclude that a change was necessary.
The dismissal marks the sixth permanent managerial change at Easter Road in less than five years. Previous departures include Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, and Nick Montgomery in May 2024. The turnover has raised questions about stability and long‑term planning within the organization.
In the immediate aftermath, assistant coach John Potter has been appointed interim manager for the upcoming fixture against Aberdeen. 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 solution is already underway. Club executive chairman Ian Gordon issued 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, however, remained defiant after the Kilmarnock loss.
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 termination of Gray’s contract underscores the precarious nature of football management, where short‑term results often outweigh previous achievements. Hibernian now faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence among a fan base that has endured a series of setbacks, both domestically and in Europe.
The club’s next steps will involve identifying a manager capable of restoring consistency, revitalising the squad’s attacking intent, and ultimately steering the team away from the relegation battle. Beyond the immediate tactical concerns, the club must also address deeper structural issues that have contributed to the instability. This includes evaluating recruitment policies, youth development pathways, and the alignment between the board’s strategic vision and the on‑field approach. A cohesive plan that balances short‑term performance with long‑term growth will be essential if Hibernian hopes to return to the upper echelons of Scottish football.
As the search for a new head coach progresses, supporters will be watching closely, hoping that the next appointment can bring the blend of experience, tactical acumen, and motivational skill required to navigate the remainder of the season and lay the groundwork for future success. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Hibernian can halt the slide, regain momentum, and re‑establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premiership.