David Gray Hibs has ended with Hibernian sacking their head coach after Tuesday’s defeat to Kilmarnock left the club ninth in the Scottish Premiership and two points off the bottom. It is a sharp and sobering call, but one the club decided could not wait any longer.
Gray, who was appointed on a permanent basis in June 2024 on a three-year deal, had only just seen Hibernian finish third in the 2024/25 campaign before last season ended with a fifth-place finish. But a run of four league defeats in six games, plus six consecutive league games at home without a win, forced the board’s hand.
The club’s statement, delivered by Ian Gordon, made clear the decision was not taken lightly. Gordon said Gray had been an inspirational figure at Hibernian, a true friend and a fantastic colleague to many at the club, and that he would be sorely missed by players and staff. He also said Gray had delivered incredible moments for the fans and brought stability and consistency that the club had not reached in recent years.
Even so, Gordon added that the recent downturn in results and performances meant the board had no choice but to act. In the broadcast world, that is the blunt truth of it: good feeling and strong memories can only carry a manager so far when the league table starts to turn against you.
A club legend, but the pressure caught up
Gray’s departure carries extra weight because of what he means to Hibernian. Back in 2016, he scored the winner against Rangers to end the club’s 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup, a moment that turned him into a hero at Easter Road. That status never disappeared, even when the results began to slide.
But modern football is rarely sentimental for long. Hibernian also reached the League Cup semi-finals and were involved in Europe before exiting after a Conference League play-off defeat to Gent, yet the league form has become too damaging to ignore. A club can accept setbacks in cups and Europe if the domestic platform is stable. Hibernian no longer had that cushion.
What happens next?
John Potter will take interim charge for Saturday’s match against Aberdeen, becoming the fourth interim figure to step in during Gray’s spell at the club. Hibernian are now seeking another permanent head coach, with Gray becoming the sixth permanent boss in less than five years.
That alone tells the story of where the club is. Since December 2021, Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery have all moved on, with Gray appointed in June 2024 after Montgomery’s departure in May 2024. Hibernian have had moments of promise, but the constant turnover leaves them once again searching for stability.
The immediate task is simple: stop the slide. The broader task is harder. Hibernian need a manager who can settle the team, lift the home form and restore belief quickly, because a season that once promised much has now become another reset.
