Hibernian Football Club have decided to part ways with 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 of form, highlighted by a fourth league loss in just 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 Scottish League Cup, their European ambitions were extinguished after a Conference League play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent.
The loss in Europe, combined with a worrying domestic record, has amplified the pressure on the management. The recent slump has historic undertones. Since last season, Hibernian have suffered six straight league defeats on their home turf at Easter Road, a sequence that matches a club record set back in 1920. Such a run has intensified calls for a change in leadership.
Gray’s tenure at the helm was solidified in June 2024 when he signed a three‑year contract, moving from his fourth spell as interim manager to a permanent appointment. The 38‑year‑old former player, who hung up his boots five years ago to concentrate on coaching, is remembered fondly by supporters for his dramatic 2016 winner against Rangers – a goal that ended a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the Scottish Cup. His early days as head coach appeared promising.
In the 2024/25 campaign, Hibs secured a respectable third‑place finish, an improvement on the fifth‑place standing achieved the previous season. However, the recent slide toward the foot of the table – now only two points above the relegation zone – convinced the club’s hierarchy that a new direction was required.
The sacking marks the sixth permanent managerial change at Easter Road within a five‑year span. Previous departures include Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, and Nick Montgomery in May 2024.
The turnover underscores a period of instability that the board hopes to end. In the short term, first‑team coach John Potter will assume interim charge for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Aberdeen. The club has issued a statement indicating that a permanent successor will be appointed "in due course." Executive Chairman Ian Gordon issued 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, however, remained defiant after the Kilmarnock loss. In a post‑match interview with 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 of Gray reflects a broader challenge for Hibernian: rebuilding a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts while restoring confidence among a fan base that has endured a series of disappointing results. The club will now focus on identifying a manager who can bring tactical acumen, steady leadership, and the ability to extract consistent performances, particularly at Easter Road where the recent home losing streak has become a glaring concern. As the search for a new permanent head coach begins, Hibernian supporters will be watching closely, hoping that the next appointment can break the cycle of instability and guide the team back to a more competitive standing in the Scottish Premiership.