Hibernian Football Club have decided to part ways with head coach David Gray, removing him from his position while the team languishes in ninth place in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes on the back of a fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, the most recent loss coming at the hands of 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 this year when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent.
The disappointment in Europe added to a growing sense of unease among supporters and the board. The recent run of poor results has revived an old record for the Easter Road side: six consecutive league defeats at home, a streak that matches a club low not seen since 1920. The string of home losses has intensified pressure on the coaching staff and highlighted the urgency of a turnaround. Gray’s appointment was made permanent in June 2024, when the club offered him a three‑year contract following his fourth spell as interim manager.
The 38‑year‑old former player had retired from the game five years earlier to focus on a coaching career. He is remembered fondly by Hibs fans for his decisive goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a strike that ended a 114‑year wait for the trophy.
When Gray first took charge, his impact seemed promising. In his inaugural full season, Hibernian 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, leaving the team just two points above the relegation zone, prompted the club’s hierarchy to act decisively.
The sacking marks the sixth permanent managerial change at Hibernian in less than five years. The club has cycled through Jack Ross (who left in December 2021), Shaun Maloney (departed five months later), Lee Johnson (who exited the following year), Nick Montgomery (who left in May 2024) and now David Gray. This pattern of turnover underscores the challenges Hibs have faced in establishing long‑term stability. Assistant coach John Potter has been named interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen on Saturday.
In a formal statement, the club confirmed that a new permanent head coach will be appointed "in due course," signalling that the search for a long‑term solution is already underway. Executive chairman Ian Gordon issued a heartfelt tribute to Gray, describing him as an "inspirational figure" and a "true friend" to many within the organization. Gordon thanked Gray for his contributions since joining the club, praising his professionalism, work ethic, and the memorable moments he delivered for supporters. He acknowledged that the decision to dismiss Gray was not taken lightly but was deemed necessary given the recent decline in results and overall performance.
Despite the club’s official stance, Gray remained defiant after the loss to Kilmarnock. In an interview with Sky Sports, he reflected on his tenure, noting that he has experienced both highs and lows with Hibernian. He warned against expecting constant praise during successful periods while demanding criticism when results falter. Gray admitted that fans were understandably frustrated by the team's inability to secure consistent victories, especially on home turf, and he accepted that criticism.
Gray affirmed his commitment to the club, stating that he would continue to give his utmost effort to reverse the team's fortunes until instructed otherwise. He described the situation as "a difficult time for everybody," referencing the players, coaching staff, and broader club community, and lamented the pattern of losing matches after initially positive results. The departure of Gray adds another chapter to Hibernian's ongoing quest for stability and success. The club now faces the challenge of identifying a manager capable of restoring confidence, improving home form, and steering the team away from the relegation battle.
As the search proceeds, supporters will be watching closely to see who will take the reins and whether the new appointment can break the cycle of short‑lived tenures and revive Hibernian's fortunes in Scottish football. In the meantime, the interim coaching team will prepare the squad for the upcoming fixture against Aberdeen, hoping to secure a much‑needed win and perhaps provide a brief respite from the recent string of setbacks. The club’s leadership has emphasized that a thorough and considered selection process will guide the appointment of the next permanent head coach, with the ultimate goal of building a sustainable, competitive side for the future.