Michael Beale was appointed as Tony Mowbray's successor in December but left the club after back-to-back defeats to Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City.
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 four wins, two draws and seven defeats. Mike Dodds, who oversaw three games following Tony Mowbray's departure, returns to the post of interim head coach and will stay in that role until the summer, giving the club time to plot their long-term direction.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said he was 'disappointed' that Beale was leaving but that it was in the best interests of the club. He added that the club took 'full accountability' for what had happened.
Dodds will take charge of the first team until the summer but lost his first game back in the hot seat against Swansea City at the Stadium of Light last weekend.
But who will take over from Dodds at the Academy of Light during the summer? Here, we take a look at the early candidates and assess the likelihood of their appointment by Sunderland:
9. Jesse Marsch
The former Leeds United manager has been out of work since leaving the club last season and certainly fits the head coach mould. This one is a tough one to call as Marsch doesn't have any Championship experience and could prove expensive in terms of wages. It feels unlikely as things stand but that could change come the summer. Photo: Clive Mason
10. Will Still
Sunderland tried to tempt young Reims to the Stadium of Light before Michael Beale and could return for the highly-rated coach. Given the noise around Still from his side, this one feels like it could once again have legs in a couple of months. Photo: SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS
11. Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is under contract at Aberdeen until the end of the season but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the former Middlesbrough man throw his hat into the ring for one last hurrah. He would be very very unlikely to get the job given the stage of his career he is at and Sunderland's desire to appoint a head coach and not a traditional manager. Photo: Ian MacNicol
12. 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 that he could be tempted by Sunderland's project but if said project doesn't look too healthy come the summer then it will surely be a no-go. You'd assume as well that Potter could be in line for a Premier League job as well at some point given his excellent work with Brighton. Photo: Marc Atkins