Club bosses have thanked Mowbray and said it was a 'difficult decision' to take. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are now focused on identifying the right candidate and we will continue to support our coaching team and players throughout the interim period.”
The club has confirmed Mike Dodds will 'lead the first team’s training and match preparations until the process to appoint a new Head Coach has concluded.'
A club statement read: "Sunderland AFC has this evening parted company with Head Coach Tony Mowbray. The Club would like thank Tony for the positive contribution he has made throughout the past two seasons alongside his assistant Mark Venus, who also departs.
"Both will always be welcome back at the Stadium of Light and we wish them well for the future."
The Black Cats are next in Championship action against West Brom at the Stadium of Light on Saturday after their recent 1-1 draw with Millwall at The Den.
Here, though, we take a look at the early runners and riders to replace Tony Mowbray at the Stadium of Light:
A club statement read: "Sunderland AFC has this evening parted company with Head Coach Tony Mowbray. The Club would like thank Tony for the positive contribution he has made throughout the past two seasons alongside his assistant Mark Venus, who also departs.
![Steven Schumacher has worked wonders at Plymouth Argyle and could represent an interesting option for Sunderland. His chances are rated at 12/1 by the bookies.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmI0OWU0NjdhLTgwYjYtNDk1OC05YjI1LWNkMGEzZDQyNjY2YTo1OTZmN2I3My0yYTFmLTQxNDEtODQzOC0zMzFjYjY3ZWUyODk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
17. Steven Schumacher
Steven Schumacher has worked wonders at Plymouth Argyle and could represent an interesting option for Sunderland. His chances are rated at 12/1 by the bookies.Photo: Harry Trump
![the bookmakers have named former Birmingham City boss John Eustace among the early favourites. In October, Birmingham City parted company with head coach Eustace after 15 months in charge and replaced him with Wayne Rooney.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjgyNzA4ZDk1LWQwZjAtNDEzOC1hYTg5LWRjNmMwYTk5Mjk4NDo1MjQzM2NjZi1jYjliLTQyZjYtOTdiMS1jZTdhY2RjMzJlODg=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
18. John Eustace
the bookmakers have named former Birmingham City boss John Eustace among the early favourites. In October, Birmingham City parted company with head coach Eustace after 15 months in charge and replaced him with Wayne Rooney.Photo: Marc Atkins
![The former Sunderland man found himself out of work recently after his sacking by Sheffield United. He has a Championship promotion on his CV with the bookies giving him a 12/1 chance at taking the job.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjA0ZTIxNThiLWFmNGItNGEyMC05ZGJlLTZkZGY5NDI1NTg1MDpkNWYyYzE1NC1kMjc5LTRlZjEtYjE2MS1lMDljN2ZkZDhlYWM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
19. Paul Heckingbottom
The former Sunderland man found himself out of work recently after his sacking by Sheffield United. He has a Championship promotion on his CV with the bookies giving him a 12/1 chance at taking the job.Photo: Matt McNulty
![Liam Rosenior is flying high with Hull City in the Championship and is a very highly-rated coach. It is doubtful, though, that he would be allowed to leave mid-season to a rival club.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjAzZWUyMTRhLTNhYmEtNDY5Zi1iYjU5LWMxM2M1ZDA3ODJmYzpiYTA0ZWMzNi0yNTYyLTRhNjktOWViMy0xZjI5ZjQzZTlmYTY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
20. Liam Rosenior
Liam Rosenior is flying high with Hull City in the Championship and is a very highly-rated coach. It is doubtful, though, that he would be allowed to leave mid-season to a rival club.Photo: Catherine Ivill