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 club suffer its fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, most recently falling to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the side managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the domestic League Cup, their European ambitions were halted earlier this year when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off loss to Belgian side Gent.
The defeat added to a worrying trend that stretches back to the previous campaign: Hibs have now been beaten in six successive league games at Easter Road, a streak that matches a club record that was last 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, who hung up his boots five years ago to concentrate on coaching, is a beloved figure among the Hibernian faithful. He will be forever remembered for the dramatic winner he struck against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a goal that ended a 114‑year drought for the club. His early tenure appeared promising.
In his first full season at the helm, Hibs finished third in the 2024/25 league campaign, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish the previous year. However, the recent slide down the table – now only two points clear of the relegation zone – prompted the club’s board to act.
The Easter Road hierarchy concluded that a fresh direction was required, ending Gray’s brief spell as permanent manager. The sacking marks the sixth permanent appointment in less than five years for Hibernian.
The club has cycled through a rapid succession of managers: Jack Ross departed in December 2021, Shaun Maloney left five months later, Lee Johnson exited the following year, Nick Montgomery was dismissed in the summer of May 2024, and now David Gray has joined that list. In the immediate aftermath, assistant coach John Potter will step in as caretaker 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 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 Tuesday 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 plagued Hibernian’s managerial department in recent years. Frequent changes at the top often disrupt squad continuity, affect player morale, and make long‑term planning challenging. Supporters have expressed mixed feelings: while some appreciate the board’s willingness to act decisively, others worry that constant turnover may hinder the development of a cohesive playing style and impede progress in both domestic and European competitions. Looking ahead, the club will need to identify a candidate who can restore confidence, re‑energise the squad, and deliver results on the pitch.
The ideal manager will likely need a blend of tactical acumen, strong man‑management skills, and an understanding of the club’s culture and fan expectations. Whether the board opts for a seasoned veteran with a proven track record in the Scottish league or a rising talent from abroad remains to be seen. In the meantime, Hibs will rely on John Potter’s interim stewardship to steady the ship for the Aberdeen fixture.
The outcome of that match could provide a short‑term boost, but the broader challenge will be to halt the slide, secure enough points to climb out of the relegation zone, and lay the groundwork for a more stable future under a new permanent head coach.