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:
17. Slaven Bilic
The former West Ham and West Brom boss is now managing Al Ahsaa in Saudi Arabia so is unlikely to come to Sunderland but his name may be mentioned with the job. Photo: Yasser Bakhsh
18. Dean Smith
Dean Smith is the head coach of Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC but could see his name linked with the Sunderland job during the summer by the bookies. You get the feeling that he is unlikely to be appointed by Sunderland as things stand. Photo: Catherine Ivill
19. Paul Heckingbottom
The former Sunderland player has been out of work since leaving Sheffield United and given his work with the Blades in the Championship previously, could be a serious contender to get the job in the summer. Another one to watch. Photo: Matt McNulty
20. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney's name has already been linked with the job by the bookies but his appointment is unlikely to happen any time soon after his poor stint with Birmingham City. Photo: George Wood