Hibernian Football Club have decided to part ways with head coach David Gray, ending his tenure as the team languishes in ninth place in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes on the back of a disappointing run of form that has seen the side suffer four league defeats in their last six matches, the most recent loss being a 2-0 setback to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
While the club did manage to reach the semi‑final stage of the Scottish League Cup, their European ambitions were halted earlier this season when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent. The loss in Europe, combined with a string of poor domestic results, has intensified pressure on the coaching staff. The Easter Road outfit have now endured six straight home defeats in league play, a run that matches a club record that dates back to 1920. This historic low has further eroded confidence among supporters and the board alike.
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 had retired from the pitch five years earlier to focus on a coaching career.
He is remembered fondly by many Hibs fans for scoring the decisive goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a moment that ended a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy. His early days in charge appeared promising, as Hibernian finished third in the 2024/25 season, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish recorded the previous campaign. However, the recent downturn, which now leaves the team just two points above the relegation zone, prompted the board to act. The club’s leadership now faces the task of finding a sixth permanent manager in under five years.
Previous departures include Jack Ross, who left in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, and Nick Montgomery in May 2024. Gray’s exit adds to this pattern of frequent managerial turnover.
Assistant coach John Potter has been named interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen on Saturday. In a formal statement, Hibernian 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, 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 Tuesday defeat to Kilmarnock. In an 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 underscores the volatile nature of football management, particularly at clubs with high expectations but limited resources.
Hibernian now must balance the immediate need for stability with the longer‑term goal of building a squad capable of competing for honours. The upcoming interim appointment of John Potter offers a brief period of continuity, but the board’s next permanent appointment will be crucial in shaping the club’s trajectory for the remainder of the season and beyond.