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:
21. Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is now the coach of Al Ettifaq and has been linked with the job via the bookies but his appointment by Sunderland is highly unlikely given the project the former Liverpool man has committed to in the Middle East. He also doesn't have any managerial experience in the Championship. Photo: Yasser Bakhsh
22. Michael Duff
The former Barnsley and Swansea City head coach is now out of work. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
23. 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. Another one to watch given the noise surrounding him the last time the job came up. Photo: Fred Lee
24. 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 and he will likely remain a candidate at the end of the current season. Photo: FRED TANNEAU