Sunderland has dismissed head coach Michael Beale after only 12 games at the helm, following consecutive defeats in the Championship.
At 43 years old, he was awarded a two-and-a-half-year contract in December, taking over from the well-liked Tony Mowbray.
During his brief tenure, Beale suffered six losses, including a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to rivals Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
Assistant Mike Dodds has been appointed as interim manager of the Black Cats until the conclusion of the season.
Consecutive losses to Huddersfield and Birmingham have resulted in Sunderland dropping to 10th place in the standings.
“We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland AFC,” sporting director Kristjaan Speakman told the club website.
“Our desire is to improve and unfortunately that hasn’t been evident, as such we take full accountability and feel that acting decisively is in the best interests of the club.
“This has been a difficult few months for Michael, who leaves with our best wishes for the future.”
Dodds previously took control of Sunderland between Mowbray’s exit and Beale’s arrival, winning two games – against fellow promotion challengers West Bromwich Albion and Leeds – out of his three in charge.
“Our focus is now on the players and supporting Mike Dodds in the remaining games to ensure we achieve the highest possible league finish,” Speakman added.
“We will be updating our supporters further as and when significant developments are made.”
Beale has faced challenges in winning over Sunderland fans, who greeted his appointment with dissatisfaction, despite the club being only four points away from the play-off positions.
His departure marks the second consecutive disappointing end to his managerial roles. Previously, he was let go by Scottish Premiership club Rangers in October after managing 43 matches over 10 months.
His tenure as Sunderland’s head coach becomes the shortest in the club’s history for a permanent manager, with one game less than Paolo di Canio’s 13 matches in 2013.