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:
17. Gary Rowett
As a player, Gary Rowett played in the Premier League for Everton, Derby County, Leicester City and Charlton Athletic and has since managed Burton Albion, Birmingham City, Stoke City and Millwall. Photo: Steve Bardens
18. Kevin Muscat
The former Millwall player is currently the manager of Yokohama F. Marinos and was linked with the Sunderland job after the sacking of Tony Mowbray. Photo: Fred Lee
19. Julien Sable
Julien Sablé is currently an assistant coach at Ligue 1 club Nice under Francesco Farioli, whom Sunderland was previously linked with this summer. Photo: FRED TANNEAU
20. Eric Roy
The former Sunderland player is the current manager of Ligue 1 side Brest and was linked with the job last time out. Photo: FRED TANNEAU