Ally McCoist and Paul Heckingbottom are among the candidates that are being considered for the vacant Sunderland managerial position.
The Black Cats are rooted to the bottom of the Championship standings after claiming just one win so far this season.
The club have already started conducting interviews and it is understood that both McCoist and Heckingbottom are candidates for the job though it is uncertain whether either have been interviewed.
McCoist has previously worked with the Black Cats chief executive Martin Bain during his time as Rangers manager between 2011 and 2014.
Robbie Stockdale is now solely acting as caretaker boss after his fellow caretaker Billy McKinaly left the club in order to join David Moyes West Ham on Sunday.
It remains to be seen whether Stockdale will be in charge of the club for the Championship game on Saturday against Millwall.