Hibernian have parted company with head coach David Gray following Tuesday night’s 1-0 Premiership defeat to Kilmarnock, bringing an end to the Easter Road legend’s 12-year association with the club.
Gray leaves alongside assistant head coach Liam Craig and goalkeeping coach Craig Samson, with Hibs citing a recent downturn in results and performances as the reason behind the board’s decision.
The 38-year-old had been in charge for more than two years after being appointed permanent head coach in the summer of 2024. Across 107 matches, Gray recorded 43 wins, 29 draws and 35 defeats.
John Potter will take temporary charge of the first team for Saturday’s Premiership game against Aberdeen, while the club begins the process of appointing a permanent successor.
End of an era
Gray’s departure closes a significant chapter in modern Hibs history. The Edinburgh-born former defender joined the club as a player in July 2014 and quickly became one of the defining figures of the Hibees’ recent era. He captained Hibs to their historic Scottish Cup triumph in 2016, scoring the dramatic stoppage-time winner against Rangers at Hampden to end the club’s 114-year wait for the trophy.
He also helped Hibs win promotion back to the Premiership the following season, led the team into European competition and made 177 appearances in green and white before retiring in the summer of 2021.
Gray moved straight into coaching with the Easter Road club, working as a first-team coach before eventually taking on the head coach’s role.
European qualification achievements
Gray’s first full campaign at the helm delivered a third-place finish and European qualification. Hibs followed that with a fifth-place finish in 2025/26, securing European football for a second successive season.
The club’s statement acknowledged the stability and consistency achieved under Gray, even as the board concluded that a change was needed after the latest run of results.
Executive chairman Ian Gordon said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Dave for everything he has done for the Football Club, as a player, coach and, most recently Head Coach.
“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 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.”
A difficult decision for Hibs
The timing will underline the pressure surrounding Hibs after their 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock on Tuesday night. Gray had been afforded time because of his status at the club, both for his contribution as a player and for delivering back-to-back European campaigns as manager. But the defeat to Kilmarnock appears to have been the final straw in the board’s decision to act.
Gordon added: “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 at the Football Club.”
Former Hibs defender Potter now takes charge for Saturday’s visit of Aberdeen, with the club promising an announcement on a permanent head coach “in due course”.