Hibernian Football Club have 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 back of a dismal run of form, highlighted by a fourth league defeat in just six matches this season when the Edinburgh side were beaten by bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
While the club did manage to reach the semi‑final stage of the domestic League Cup, its European ambitions were also extinguished after a Conference League play‑off loss to Belgian side Gent. The defeat meant Hibs were eliminated from continental competition altogether.
The recent slump has exposed a deeper historical pattern. Since last season, Easter Road have now suffered six straight league defeats on home turf, a run that matches a club record dating back to 1920.
The poor home record has become a focal point for supporters and board members alike. Gray’s appointment was intended to bring stability. After serving four separate spells as interim manager, he was given a permanent three‑year contract in June 2024.
The 38‑year‑old former player, who hung up his boots five years ago to concentrate on coaching, is still revered for his heroics as a player – most famously scoring the decisive goal against Rangers in 2016 that ended a 114‑year wait for the Scottish Cup. His early tenure as a full‑time manager looked promising. In the 2024/25 campaign Hibs finished third, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish the previous season. However, the recent downturn has seen the club slip to within two points of the bottom of the table, prompting the board to act.
The dismissal marks the sixth permanent managerial change in less than five years. Hibs have previously seen Jack Ross leave in December 2021, Shaun Maloney depart five months later, Lee Johnson exit the following year, and Nick Montgomery’s tenure end in the summer of May 2024. The turnover has contributed to a sense of instability that the club’s hierarchy hopes to resolve with a new appointment.
In the interim, first‑team coach John Potter will take charge for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Aberdeen. The club released a statement indicating that a permanent replacement will be announced "in due course".
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 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 dismissal underscores the broader challenges facing Hibernian. The club must now balance the need for immediate results with a longer‑term vision that restores confidence among supporters, stabilises the dressing room, and improves home performance.
The search for a new manager will likely focus on candidates who can inject fresh tactical ideas while respecting the club’s traditions and the legacy left by figures like Gray. As the season progresses, the decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Hibs can reverse their fortunes and climb out of the relegation battle.