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 after the club suffered its fourth league defeat in six matches this season, most recently falling to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
Although Hibs managed to reach the semi‑finals of the Scottish League Cup, their European campaign ended abruptly when they were eliminated in the UEFA Conference League play‑off round by Belgian side Gent. The defeat added to a growing list of setbacks that have plagued the Easter Road side. Historically, the club’s recent form is alarming.
Since last season, Hibernian have endured six straight league defeats at home, a run that matches a club record set back in 1920. This poor home record has intensified pressure on the managerial bench and contributed to the board’s decision to act. David Gray’s appointment was formalised in June 2024 when he signed a three‑year contract after serving as interim manager on four separate occasions. The 38‑year‑old former player, who hung up his boots five years ago to focus on coaching, is a beloved figure at Hibs.
He etched his name into club folklore by scoring the decisive goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, ending a 114‑year wait for the trophy. Gray’s initial tenure appeared promising.
In his first full season, Hibernian finished third in the 2024/25 league campaign, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish recorded the previous year. However, the recent slide down the table, with the team now only two points above the relegation zone, prompted the club’s hierarchy to conclude that a change was necessary.
The sacking marks the sixth permanent managerial change at Easter Road within a five‑year window. 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 the difficulty Hibernian have faced in finding a long‑term solution that can deliver consistent results. In the immediate aftermath, assistant coach John Potter has been appointed as interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen.
The club issued a statement indicating that a new permanent head coach will be announced "in due course," signalling that the search for a long‑term replacement is already underway. 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, for his part, 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 club now faces a crucial period of transition.
Hibernian must stabilise their league position to avoid a relegation battle while also rebuilding confidence among supporters who have grown increasingly restless. The appointment of a new manager will be pivotal, not only for tactical adjustments but also for restoring a sense of optimism that has been eroded by a string of poor results.
Beyond the immediate tactical concerns, Hibs will need to address deeper structural issues. Their recent home form suggests problems with preparation, mentality, and perhaps squad depth.
Recruiting players with a proven ability to perform under pressure at Easter Road, reinforcing defensive solidity, and injecting creative spark in attack could form part of a broader overhaul. Fans, meanwhile, will be watching closely as the interim period unfolds. The upcoming clash with Aberdeen offers a chance for the temporary coaching staff to demonstrate resilience and perhaps buy valuable time for the board to conduct a thorough search for a permanent successor.
In summary, David Gray’s dismissal reflects a club at a crossroads, grappling with a historic home losing streak, a precarious league standing, and the need for fresh leadership. The next steps taken by Hibernian’s hierarchy will determine whether the team can reverse its fortunes and re‑establish itself as a competitive force in Scottish football.