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 fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, most recently a loss to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the club managed to reach the semi‑finals of the Scottish League Cup, their European campaign ended abruptly when they were knocked out of the UEFA Conference League at the play‑off stage by Belgian side Gent.
The defeat added to a growing list of setbacks that have seen Hibs endure six straight home league losses – a run that matches a club record that dates back to 1920. Gray, who was given a permanent three‑year contract in June 2024 after a series of interim appointments, had previously enjoyed a distinguished playing career before retiring five years ago to focus on coaching. He is remembered fondly by supporters 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.
When he first took charge, Gray oversaw a respectable third‑place finish in the 2024/25 season, improving on the fifth‑place finish the side recorded the previous campaign. However, the recent slide down the table – now only two points above the relegation zone – prompted the Easter Road board to act. The club’s leadership noted that this will be the sixth permanent manager appointed in less than five years, following the exits of Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, and Nick Montgomery in May 2024.
In the immediate aftermath of Gray’s departure, assistant coach John Potter has been named interim manager for the upcoming fixture against Aberdeen, while the club issued a statement promising that a new permanent head coach will be appointed "in due course". Executive chairman Ian Gordon released a heartfelt statement, saying: "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 Kilmarnock defeat.
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 sacking underscores the volatility that has plagued Hibernian in recent years. Frequent managerial changes have often disrupted continuity, making it difficult to build a cohesive playing style or long‑term project. Supporters have expressed a mixture of disappointment and hope, recognizing Gray's contributions while acknowledging that a fresh approach may be required to halt the slide and restore the club's competitive edge.
Looking ahead, the club faces several challenges. First, stabilising the squad's morale after another leadership change will be essential.
Second, the interim period under John Potter offers a brief window to assess the team's strengths and weaknesses before a permanent appointment is made. Finally, the board must decide whether to pursue a seasoned manager with a proven track record in the Scottish league or to take a chance on an up‑and‑coming coach who could bring new ideas and energy. Regardless of the path chosen, Hibernian will need to address their home form, which has been a glaring weakness. Six consecutive defeats at Easter Road have not only cost valuable points but also eroded the confidence of both players and fans.
Tactical adjustments, perhaps a more robust defensive setup or a reinvigorated attacking strategy, will be required to turn the tide. In the broader context of Scottish football, Hibs' struggles reflect the competitive nature of the Premiership, where clubs with limited resources must maximise every opportunity.
The upcoming match against Aberdeen will be a litmus test for the interim management team and could provide an early indicator of whether the club can arrest its decline before a permanent solution is found. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Hibernian's board and the eventual new manager, whose mandate will be clear: to restore stability, rekindle the passion that long‑time supporters cherish, and guide the team back up the table before the relegation battle becomes too severe.