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 back of a dismal run that has seen the Edinburgh side suffer their fourth league defeat in six matches this season, most recently a loss to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the club managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the Scottish League Cup, their European ambitions were halted earlier in the season when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent.
The setbacks have compounded a worrying trend that stretches back to the previous campaign: Hibs have now endured six straight league defeats at Easter Road, a run that matches a club record set in 1920. Gray’s appointment was made permanent in June 2024 when he signed a three‑year contract after serving four separate spells as interim manager. The 38‑year‑old former player had retired from the game five years earlier to focus on coaching, and he is remembered fondly by supporters for scoring the 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.
When Gray first took charge, the outlook was promising. Hibernian finished the 2024/25 season in third place, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish recorded the previous year. However, recent form has seen the team slip to within two points of the bottom of the table, prompting the club’s hierarchy to conclude that a change was necessary.
The move adds to a revolving door of managers at Easter Road. In less than five years, Hibs have already appointed six permanent head coaches: Jack Ross departed in December 2021, Shaun Maloney left five months later, Lee Johnson exited the following year, Nick Montgomery was dismissed in May 2024, and now David Gray has been removed from his post. Assistant coach John Potter will step in as interim manager for the upcoming fixture against Aberdeen on Saturday. The club has issued a statement confirming that a new permanent manager 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, however, remained defiant after the defeat 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 sacking underscores the pressure that Scottish clubs face to deliver immediate results, particularly when competing on multiple fronts.
Hibernian’s board will now embark on a search for a manager capable of restoring confidence, stabilising home form, and steering the club away from the relegation battle. The interim period under Potter offers a brief window for the players to regroup, while supporters hope that a fresh appointment will bring the tactical clarity and motivational spark needed to reverse the current slide. In the broader context, Hibs’ recent struggles reflect the challenges of maintaining consistency in a league where financial disparities and player turnover can quickly alter a team’s fortunes. The club’s recent European exit, coupled with a string of poor domestic results, has highlighted the need for a clear long‑term vision and a manager who can blend youthful talent with experienced heads to compete effectively.
As the season progresses, the focus will shift to how the interim setup performs against Aberdeen and whether that performance can buy the club time to secure a suitable permanent replacement. Fans will be watching closely, hoping that the next appointment can recapture the optimism that once surrounded Gray’s early tenure and bring Hibernian back to a position where they can once again challenge for higher league standings and cup glory.