Hibernian Football Club have officially terminated the contract of head coach David Gray as the team finds itself languishing in ninth place in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing run of form that has seen the club suffer its fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, most recently a loss to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. While the side managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the domestic League Cup, their European ambitions were halted earlier in the campaign when they were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent.
The defeat added to a growing list of setbacks that have plagued the Easter Road outfit. Historically, Hibs have struggled at home this term, enduring six consecutive league defeats on their own turf – a run that matches a club record set back in 1920. The pattern of poor results at Easter Road has intensified pressure on the managerial position and ultimately led to the board’s decision to part ways with Gray. Gray’s tenure at the club began in earnest in June 2024 when he signed a three‑year contract, having previously served as interim manager on three separate occasions.
The 38‑year‑old former player, who hung up his boots five years ago to focus on coaching, is a beloved figure in Hibernian folklore. He famously scored the decisive goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, ending a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy. That moment cemented his status as a club legend.
His early days as permanent head coach were promising. In his first full season, Hibs finished third in the 2024/25 league campaign, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish the previous year.
However, the recent slide down the table – now only two points above the relegation zone – convinced the club’s hierarchy that a change was necessary. The dismissal marks the sixth permanent appointment in less than five years.
Hibernian have cycled through a number of managers in a short period: Jack Ross left in December 2021, Shaun Maloney departed five months later, Lee Johnson was sacked the following year, Nick Montgomery exited in May 2024, and now David Gray has joined that list. In the short term, assistant coach John Potter will step up to lead the squad on an interim basis 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 solution is already underway. Executive Chairman Ian Gordon released 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 Kilmarnock defeat.
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 challenge facing many clubs: balancing short‑term results with long‑term stability. Frequent changes at the helm can disrupt player development, tactical continuity, and fan confidence.
Yet the board appears convinced that a fresh perspective is required to halt the slide and re‑ignite the club's ambitions, both domestically and in European competition. Looking ahead, the interim period under John Potter will be crucial.
Potter, who has been part of the coaching staff for several seasons, will need to steady the ship, motivate a squad that has suffered a string of defeats, and perhaps secure a vital point against Aberdeen to begin rebuilding morale. Meanwhile, the search for a new permanent manager will likely focus on candidates with a proven track record of improving teams under pressure, an ability to develop young talent, and a clear vision for restoring Hibs to the upper echelons of the Scottish Premiership. For supporters, the coming weeks will be a test of patience and loyalty. The club’s recent history of managerial changes has been unsettling, but the passion of the Hibs fanbase remains strong.
Many hope that the next appointment will bring the stability and strategic direction needed to end the home losing streak, climb the league table, and perhaps return to European competition in the near future. In summary, David Gray's departure marks the end of a brief but eventful chapter at Hibernian.
His legacy includes a historic cup‑winning goal and a period of relative success, but recent results have forced the club to look elsewhere. The interim stewardship of John Potter and the eventual appointment of a new permanent manager will shape the next phase of Hibernian's journey, as they strive to reclaim their status as one of Scotland's premier football clubs.