The Black Cats announced that Lee Johnson had left the club with immediate effect on Sunday evening and have now spoken to multiple candidates.
Johnson’s assistant Jamie McAllister has also departed the League One club, who are currently third following the 6-0 thrashing against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: “I would like to thank Lee for his commitment and endeavour over the past 14 months.
"We regret that we have had to take this decision, but felt immediate change was needed. We firmly believe that this is in the best interests of Sunderland AFC as we strive to earn promotion this season.
“Lee and Jamie will always be welcome at the Stadium of Light and they depart with our best wishes.”
But what are the bookies saying about the leading favourites and how have those odds changed from yesterday? Here, we take a look:
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1. Karl Robinson
Robinson was 66/1 yesterday. His odds have shortened but he remains an outsider at 33/1. Photo: Alex Burstow
2. Emma Hayes
Hayes was 33/1 yesterday and remains the same today with no shift in her odds overnight. Photo: Bryn Lennon
3. Gus Poyet
Poyet is 33/1 to take the vacant Sunderland head coach job. Photo: Robin Jones
4. Paul Cook
Cook was 40/1 yesterday and remains an outsider if his odds have shortened to 33/1. Photo: James Baylis - AMA