Hibernian Football Club have decided to part ways with head coach David Gray as the team finds itself sitting ninth in the Scottish Premiership table. The decision comes on the back of a dismal run of form, highlighted by a fourth league defeat in just six matches this campaign when the Edinburgh side were beaten by bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
Although the club managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the domestic League Cup, their European ambitions were swiftly extinguished after a Conference League play‑off loss to Belgian side Gent, ending any hope of a continental run this season. The recent slump has also seen Easter Road endure a historic run of six straight home league defeats – a streak that matches a club record that has not been equaled since 1920. Gray’s tenure at Hibs began in earnest in June 2024 when he was offered a permanent three‑year contract after serving four separate spells as caretaker manager.
The 38‑year‑old, who hung up his boots five years ago to concentrate on coaching, is remembered fondly by supporters for his dramatic 2016 Scottish Cup winner against Rangers, a goal that broke a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy. His early days in charge looked promising; he guided the team to a third‑place finish in the 2024/25 season, improving on the fifth‑place finish the side managed the previous year.
However, the current situation is starkly different. Hibs now sit just two points above the relegation zone, prompting the club’s hierarchy to conclude that a fresh direction is required.
This dismissal marks the sixth permanent manager to leave the club 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 immediate aftermath, assistant coach John Potter has been appointed as interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen on Saturday. 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 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, for his part, remained defiant after the Kilmarnock loss.
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 termination of Gray’s contract underscores the volatility that has plagued Hibernian in recent years. Frequent managerial changes have made it difficult for the squad to develop a coherent playing style, and the lack of continuity has often been cited by supporters and pundits as a key factor behind the club's inconsistent performances.
The record‑equalling home losing streak further illustrates the psychological toll that repeated defeats can have on a team, especially when they occur in front of the home crowd. Looking ahead, the club faces the challenge of finding a manager who can restore confidence, stabilize results, and re‑ignite the ambition that once saw Hibs competing for European spots. The appointment will need to address both tactical deficiencies – such as a lack of creativity in the final third and defensive frailties that have been exposed by lower‑ranked opponents – and cultural issues, ensuring that players regain belief in the club’s direction.
In the broader context of Scottish football, Hibernian’s plight serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of managerial churn. While some clubs have managed to thrive despite frequent changes, the lack of a long‑term vision often hampers sustained success. Fans will be watching closely as the board navigates this transitional period, hoping that the next permanent appointment can bring stability, a clear identity, and ultimately, a return to the upper echelons of the Premiership.
For now, John Potter will steer the team for the upcoming fixture, and the rest of the squad will look to rally together in the face of adversity. The club’s statement assures supporters that a thorough search is underway, and that a new head coach will be named in due course, with the aim of ending the current slide and laying the foundations for a more promising future.