Hibernian Football Club have decided to part ways with head coach David Gray, with the team currently sitting ninth in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes after the club suffered its fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, most recently falling to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the side had managed to reach the semi‑finals of the Scottish League Cup, their European ambitions were halted when they were eliminated in the UEFA Conference League play‑off round by Belgian side Gent.
This loss, combined with a string of poor domestic results, has intensified the 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. The historic slump has prompted the board to act swiftly, ending Gray’s tenure after only a few months in charge.
Gray had been appointed on a permanent basis in June 2024, signing a three‑year contract after serving four separate spells as interim manager. The 38‑year‑old former player retired from the game five years ago to focus on coaching, and he remains a beloved figure among Hibs supporters for his dramatic winner against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final – a goal that ended a 114‑year wait for the trophy. His early days at the helm looked promising; the team finished third in the 2024/25 campaign, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish the previous season.
However, the recent downturn has seen Hibs hovering just two points above the relegation zone, prompting the club’s hierarchy to conclude that a change was necessary. The departure adds to a growing list of short‑lived managerial appointments at the club. In the past five years, Hibernian have already seen five permanent head coaches leave: Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, Nick Montgomery in May 2024, and now David Gray.
Coach John Potter will step in as interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen, while the club has indicated that a new permanent manager will be announced "in due course." Executive Chairman Ian Gordon issued a statement praising Gray’s contributions: "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 loss. 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 the task of rebuilding confidence and form. With the season entering its crucial phase, Hibernian will need to stabilise their performances at Easter Road, secure points against direct rivals, and restore faith among a fan base that has endured a prolonged period of disappointment.
The appointment of a new permanent manager will be pivotal in shaping the team's tactical approach, player morale, and long‑term strategy, as the club aims to climb out of the relegation zone and re‑establish itself as a competitive force in Scottish football.