Former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan thinks Neil Critchley was dismissed as head coach due to fears about getting sucked into a relegation play-off.
The Tynecastle club parted ways with the Englishman on Saturday following a 1-0 defeat by Dundee in their first post-split game.
The result leaves Hearts five points clear of Ross County in 11th with four matches of the season to play.
"I was surprised," McGowan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"I don't think he would have been there at the start of next season, but I was slightly surprised that they did decide to do it on Saturday night.