Hibernian Football Club have decided to part ways with head coach David Gray, ending his tenure as the team languishes in ninth place in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes on the back of a dismal run of form that has seen the Edinburgh side suffer four league defeats in just six matches this season, the most recent loss coming at the hands of bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. While the club managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the domestic League Cup, their European ambitions were cut short when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent.
The disappointment in Europe compounded a worrying trend at Easter Road: the team has now endured six straight league defeats on its own turf, a sequence that matches a club record that dates back to 1920. Gray’s appointment was made permanent in June 2024, when he signed a three‑year contract after previously serving four separate spells as interim manager. The 38‑year‑old former player, who hung up his boots five years ago to focus on a coaching career, is remembered fondly by supporters for his decisive goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final – a strike that ended a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy. His early days in charge looked promising.
In his first full season, Hibs secured a third‑place finish in the 2024/25 campaign, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish they recorded the previous year. However, the recent slump has seen the team sit just two points above the bottom of the table, prompting the club’s hierarchy to conclude that a change at the helm is inevitable. The sacking marks the sixth permanent managerial change at Hibernian in less than five years. The club has previously seen Jack Ross depart in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, and Nick Montgomery in the summer of May 2024.
The revolving door of head coaches has become a talking point among fans, who are eager for stability and consistent results. In the immediate aftermath of Gray’s dismissal, assistant coach John Potter has been named interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen on Saturday.
The club issued a statement confirming that a new permanent head coach will be appointed "in due course," signalling that the search for a long‑term solution is already underway. Executive Chairman Ian Gordon released 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 defeat. Speaking to 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 broader challenges Hibernian faces in rebuilding a squad capable of competing consistently at the top of the Scottish game.
The club will need to address defensive frailties that have led to a spate of home defeats, as well as find a more reliable source of goals. Recruitment strategies, youth development pathways, and tactical philosophy will all be scrutinised by the incoming manager. Supporters, while saddened by the departure of a figure who gave them memorable moments, understand the urgency of reversing the club's fortunes. The next few weeks will be crucial as Hibs look to stabilise their league position, re‑ignite their cup runs, and lay the foundations for a more sustainable future under new leadership.
In the meantime, the interim appointment of John Potter offers a brief period of continuity. Potter, who has been part of the coaching staff for several seasons, will aim to steady the ship for the Aberdeen fixture and provide the board with a clear picture of the squad's immediate needs. The search for a permanent head coach is expected to focus on candidates with a proven record of turning around struggling teams, an ability to develop young talent, and a clear tactical vision that aligns with Hibernian's ambitions. Whether the club looks domestically or abroad, the new manager will inherit a side eager to rediscover the winning spirit that once saw them lift the Scottish Cup and compete on the European stage.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Easter Road to see if the club can halt the slide, restore confidence among its fanbase, and begin a new chapter that honors the legacy of past triumphs while building toward future success.