Javi Gracia was fired by Leeds United in a phone call on his birthday after a torrid run of results left them outside the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference alone.
Sunday's miserable 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth proved the Spaniard's final act after just two-and-a-half months and 12 games in the Elland Road hotseat.
Leeds also sacked director of football Victor Orta earlier this week, with Sam Allardyce making a shock return to management to try and steer the club to safety.
Gracia, 53, said club owner Andrea Radrizzani delivered the news to him personally on Monday afternoon.