Sunderland's head of recruitment Tony Coton and head of football operations Richard Hill have left the club with immediate effect.
The club released a brief statement this evening confirming that the duo have departed.
Both Coton and Hill joined the club in 2018, with Coton - who had a brief spell playing for the Black Cats in 1996-97 - in charge of scouting and player recruitment, while Hill's duties included negotiating player contracts.
The club statement said: "Sunderland AFC can this evening confirm that Richard Hill and Tony Coton have left the club with immediate effect.
"Both joined SAFC in 2018, undertaking the roles of head of football operations and head of recruitment, respectively.
"The board would like to place on record its gratitude to both Richard and Tony for their contribution and dedication over the past two years.
"All at SAFC wish them well in their future endeavours."
Coton, 59, had spent time as Aston Villa's head of domestic scouting before joining Sunderland in the summer of 2018.
Hill managed Eastleigh under Stewart Donald's ownership of the Spitfires, and Donald brought him to Wearside when he took over two years ago.
Hill had also spent time as part of Aston Villa's recruitment staff.
