Sunderland chiefs will reportedly hand the caretaker reins to Billy McKinlay and Robbie Stockdale while they continue their search for a new permanent manager.
The Black Cats sacked Simon Grayson less than 20 minutes after Tuesday night's 3-3 draw with Bolton Wanderers, leaving them with just one win all season and now two points from Championship safety.
According to Sky Sports News, chief executive Martin Bain is happy to let McKinlay and Stockdale take temporary charge for next weekend's Tees-Wear derby with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
McKinlay famously had an eight-day spell at the Watford helm three years ago, before joining Sunderland in 2016, while Stockdale has previously spent a short spell in caretaker charge of Grimsby Town.
Former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is the current favourite to replace Grayson, while Peter Reid and Paul Cook are also understood to be in the running.