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 string of poor results, highlighted by a fourth league defeat 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 domestic League Cup, their European ambitions were halted earlier in the campaign when they were eliminated in the UEFA Conference League play‑off round by Belgian side Gent. The recent run of form has been particularly stark at Easter Road.
Since the start of last season, Hibs have endured six consecutive league defeats on their own turf, a run that now matches a club record set back in 1920. Gray’s tenure with the club began in earnest in June 2024 when he was offered a permanent three‑year contract after serving four separate spells as interim manager. The 38‑year‑old, who hung up his boots as a player five years ago to concentrate on coaching, is remembered fondly by supporters for his decisive strike against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final – a goal that ended a 114‑year wait for the trophy. His early days in charge were promising; he guided Hibernian to a third‑place finish in the 2024/25 season, improving on the fifth‑place finish the club recorded the previous year.
However, the recent slump, which has seen the team sit just two points above the relegation zone, prompted the board to act. The club’s hierarchy now faces the task of appointing a sixth permanent manager 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 May 2024 and now David Gray. In the short term, assistant coach John Potter will assume interim responsibilities for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Aberdeen. Hibernian have 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 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 dismissal underscores the volatility that has characterised Hibernian's managerial carousel in recent years. Since 2021 the club has struggled to find a long‑term solution, with each appointment ending prematurely amid inconsistent performances and mounting pressure from supporters.
The pattern reflects a broader challenge within Scottish football, where financial constraints often limit clubs' ability to retain managers and build sustained projects. Looking ahead, Hibernian will need to balance short‑term stability with a clear strategic vision. The interim period under John Potter offers a brief window to steady the ship, but the board must identify a manager capable of restoring confidence, improving home form, and delivering the consistency that has eluded the team for over a decade. Potential candidates may include coaches with proven records in developing young talent, as Hibs have a strong academy pipeline, or experienced tacticians who can adapt quickly to the physical demands of the Premiership.
The new manager will also inherit the task of re‑engaging a fan base that has grown increasingly restless after successive defeats and missed opportunities in cup competitions. In sum, David Gray's departure marks another chapter in a turbulent period for Hibernian.
While his contributions—most notably the iconic 2016 cup‑winning goal—will be remembered fondly, the club now faces the imperative of rebuilding under fresh leadership, aiming to halt the slide, climb out of the relegation zone, and restore a sense of optimism among supporters.