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 disappointing run of form that has seen the Edinburgh side suffer their fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, most recently falling to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. While the club did manage to reach the semi‑finals of the domestic League Cup, their European campaign ended abruptly after a Conference League play‑off loss to Belgian side Gent.
The defeat added to a growing sense of frustration among supporters and the board alike. The recent home form has been particularly alarming. Since the start of last season, Hibs have now endured six straight league defeats at Easter Road, a run that matches a club record that dates back to 1920.
The inability to secure points on home soil has amplified the pressure on Gray, whose tenure was only solidified in June 2024 when he signed a three‑year contract after serving four separate spells as interim manager. Gray, now 38, retired from playing five years ago to focus on a coaching career. He is remembered fondly by many fans for his iconic goal against Rangers in 2016, a strike that ended the club's 114‑year wait for a Scottish Cup triumph.
His early days in charge were promising; he guided Hibernian to a third‑place finish in the 2024/25 season, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish the previous year. However, the current situation is starkly different. With the team now only two points clear of the relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy concluded that a change was necessary.
This 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 the summer of May 2024, and now Gray. In the interim, coach John Potter will take charge for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Aberdeen.
The club issued a statement confirming that a new permanent head coach will be announced in due course. Executive chairman Ian Gordon released a heartfelt statement about Gray's departure: "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.
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 departure of Gray underscores a broader pattern of instability at Hibernian. Frequent managerial changes can disrupt squad cohesion, hinder long‑term strategic planning, and affect player morale. Fans have expressed concern that the revolving door of coaches may be preventing the development of a clear playing philosophy and consistent recruitment strategy.
Moreover, the club's recent struggles in both domestic and European competitions highlight the need for a more stable leadership structure. Looking ahead, the board faces the challenging task of identifying a successor who can restore confidence, implement a sustainable tactical framework, and deliver the results required to lift the club out of the relegation battle. Potential candidates may include experienced Scottish managers familiar with the Premiership's demands, or perhaps a promising up‑and‑coming coach with a track record of developing young talent.
Whatever the choice, the new manager will inherit a squad that has shown flashes of quality but lacks the consistency needed to compete at the top level. In the meantime, the interim appointment of John Potter offers a short‑term solution. Potter, who has been part of the coaching staff, will aim to steady the ship for the Aberdeen match and possibly provide a platform for the incoming permanent manager. The club's supporters will be hoping for a performance that can halt the slide and spark a revival.
The situation at Hibernian serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. A club that once celebrated historic cup victories and solid league finishes can find itself fighting for survival within a season. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Hibs can reverse their downward trajectory or if further upheaval will be required to secure their place in the Scottish Premiership.