Michael Beale was appointed as Tony Mowbray's successor in December but has left the club after back-to-back defeats to Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City.
Beale did not take training at the Academy of Light today. The former Rangers boss was handed a two-and-a-half year contract but in the end took charge of just 12 fixtures, including the 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Newcastle United.
His final record reads at 4 wins, two draws and seven defeats. Mike Dodds, who oversaw three games following Tony Mowbray's departure, is expected to return to the post of interim head coach. He will likely stay in that role until the summer, giving the club time to plot their long-term direction.
But who will take over from Beale at the Academy of Light? Here, we take a look at the early candidates:
5. Will Still
Sunderland tried to tempt young Reims to the Stadium of Light before Michael Beale and could return for the highly-rated coach. Photo: SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS
6. Graham Potter
The former Chelsea and Brighton head coach is highly rated in the world of football but is likely waiting for a good Premier League job to come up. It is possible, though, that he could be tempted by Sunderland's project. Photo: Marc Atkins
7. Frank Lampard
The former Derby County, Everton and Chelsea manager has been out of work for some time and was linked with the job following Tony Mowbray's sacking. Photo: Warren Little
8. Steve Cooper
Steve Cooper has been out of work since leaving Nottingham Forest earlier this season. Photo: Michael Regan