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:
13. 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. His appointment would be a risky one given recent failures but could be a possibility come the summer depending on how Sunderland look at the possibilities available to them. Photo: Warren Little
14. Marek Papszun
Polish coach Marek Papszun is reportedly keen to talk to Sunderland and has been approached by several clubs in the UK and Saudi in recent months. His name has come somewhat out of left field and he could be one to watch at the end of the season. Photo: KURT DESPLENTER
15. Steve Cooper
Steve Cooper has been out of work since leaving Nottingham Forest earlier this season after guiding the club to promotion and keeping them in the Premier League. You would think he would be an ideal candidate for Sunderland but will they be able to attract him during the summer? Another one to watch as the season draws to a close. Cooper, though, could potentially bag a job in the Premier League at some point given his work with Forest. Photo: Michael Regan
16. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed success in Norway, then managing Cardiff City and Manchester United but was sacked from both jobs. This one feels unlikely, though. Photo: Matt McNulty