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:
13. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney's name has already been linked with the job by the bookies but his appointment feels very unlikely. Photo: George Wood
14. Jermain Defoe
The former Sunderland striker has expressed a desire to start his managerial career but has no experience. Photo: Alex Pantling
15. Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is now the coach of Al Ettifaq and has been linked with the job via the bookies. Photo: Yasser Bakhsh
16. Michael Duff
The former Barnsley and Swansea City head coach is now out of work. Photo: Ryan Hiscott