The 68 year-old Dutchman, who was parachuted in to mastermind a nine-game rescue mission at the end of the last campaign, has walked away with the club sitting in 19th place in the English Premier League on three points after winning none of its opening eight fixtures after the 2-2 draw with West Ham at the Stadium of Light.
Advocaat's departure was confirmed in a club statement which said: "Sunderland AFC has announced that Dick Advocaat has left his position as head coach at the club. The Dutchman informed the chairman of his decision to step down from his role and departs the Stadium of Light with immediate effect."
