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 six matches this season, the most recent loss coming at the hands of bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. While the club managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the Scottish League Cup, their European campaign ended abruptly after a Conference League play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent. The setback in Europe, combined with a worrying run of form in the domestic league, has intensified pressure on the coaching staff.
The Easter Road side have now endured six straight home defeats in league competition, a sequence that matches a club record dating back to 1920. The string of poor results has prompted the board to act decisively.
Gray was given a permanent contract in June 2024, signing a three‑year deal after serving four separate spells as interim manager. The 38‑year‑old former player, who hung up his boots five years ago to concentrate on coaching, is a beloved figure at the club. He will always be remembered for the dramatic winner he scored against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a goal that ended a 114‑year wait for the trophy. His early tenure appeared promising: Hibs finished third in the 2024/25 season under his guidance, improving on a fifth‑place finish the previous year.
However, the recent slump – with the team now only two points above the relegation zone – convinced the club hierarchy that a change was necessary. The dismissal marks the sixth permanent appointment in less than five years.
Former managers Jack Ross (who left in December 2021), Shaun Maloney (departed five months later), Lee Johnson (the following year) and Nick Montgomery (who exited in May 2024) have all been replaced, underscoring the instability that has plagued the club’s leadership. Assistant coach John Potter will step in as interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen, and the club has issued a statement indicating that a new permanent head coach will be announced in due course. Club executive chairman Ian Gordon released a heartfelt statement: "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 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 managerial turnover at Hibernian reflects a broader trend in Scottish football, where clubs often seek quick fixes in response to short‑term poor form. Analysts suggest that stability at the helm is crucial for long‑term success, and frequent changes can disrupt player development, recruitment strategies, and overall morale.
The upcoming interim period under Potter will be closely watched, as fans hope for a steadier hand that can halt the slide and restore confidence. Looking ahead, the club will need to address several key issues: improving defensive solidity at Easter Road, finding a reliable goal‑scoring outlet, and re‑instilling belief in a squad that has struggled to convert chances into points. The board’s next permanent appointment will likely be a manager with a proven track record of building resilient teams and navigating the pressures of a relegation battle. In the meantime, Hibernian supporters will be eager to see whether the interim set‑up can spark a short‑term revival against Aberdeen, and whether the club can break the unwanted home‑loss record that has haunted them since the early twentieth century.