Hibs are once again in search of a new head coach after Nick Montgomery was sacked by the club on Tuesday morning.
A 4-0 home defeat to Aberdeen put at end to the 42-year-old’s eight-month reign at Easter Road, with the club admitting Montgomery and his coaching staff did “not deliver the results we had hoped for” in a club statement.
They added it was “not a decision we made lightly” but admitted it felt like a “necessary one to move the team forward”. Assistant head coach Sergio Raimundo and goalkeeping coach Miguel Miranda have also departed Hibs with immediate effect.
With a revamp that includes the appointment of a new sporting director expected at Easter Road in the coming weeks, the appointment of a new head coach that suits the model the club hope to implement is vital to Hibs long-term - and short-term - future. Former captain David Gray will step into the hot seat for a fourth time as caretaker manager for the club’s remaining two games of the season against Motherwell and bottom side Livingston. But which man will be handed the task of turning the ship around at Hibs in the coming weeks and months?
Here are eight bosses who could be next in the Easter Road dugout.
5. Alex Neil
There's no doubting that the Airdrie-born head coach would be a great option for Hibs, but could he be tempted to return to Scotland? Enjoyed promotions with Hamilton, Norwich City and Sunderland and heralded for his coaching methods at all three clubs, the 42-year-old finds himself out of work after a poor spell at Stoke City. That said, his disastrous spell at the Potters hasn't damaged his reputation too much. Based in England, it could be a hard sell to convince him and his family to move - but the question could still be asked. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Stephen Robinson
Similar to McInnes, convincing the St Mirren boss to join Hibs after such a successful season in Paisley is a hard sell. The Northern Irishman has a solid reputation has been praised for his man management skills. With a sporting director set to be installed at Easter Road, Robinson would be an attractive option as a head coach if the club can convince him his future is in Edinburgh. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Ian Murray
Knows the club? Tick. Enjoyed a positive season with his current club? Tick. Has a reputation as an impressive tactician with his best years still ahead of him? Tick. The 43-year-old Raith Rovers boss could be an intriguing option as the next Easter Road boss. His Raith side finished 14 points clear of Partick Thistle in third and just six behind champions Dundee United in the second tier. If he can lead his side through the play offs this month, the Scottish Premiership awaits him. But could Hibs offer him an alternative route into the top tier by appointing him as their new head coach? | SNS Group Photo: Ewan Bootman - SNS Group
8. Tommy Elphick
Could the recent £6million investment from Bournemouth owner Bill Foley result in Hibs taking an interest in one of the up-and-coming coaches? Assistant coach with the Cherries since 2022, Elphick has worked closely with managers Gary O'Neil and Andoni Iraola as the club firmly established themselves in the top tier. Still just 36, his best years are ahead of him too. | Nathan Stirk Photo: Nathan Stirk