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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5. Gareth Ainsworth
Gareth Ainsworth was 50/1 yesterday and has seen his odds shift to 33/1 overnight. Photo: Alex Burstow
6. Jody Morris
Morris was 40/1 yesterday and has seen his odds shorten to 33/1 overnight. Photo: Getty Images
7. Jonathan Woodgate
Woodgate was 33/1 yesterday and remains the same today with no shift in his odds overnight. Photo: Alex Pantling
8. Sam Allardyce
Big Sam was 33/1 yesterday and has seen his odds shift to 25/1 overnight. Photo: Stu Forster