The veteran was tasked with securing the club’s Premier League status with just four games of the season remaining, a daunting task even for the most experienced of coaches.
Just one point was won from those four games and after a three-year absence, Leeds are back in the Championship. For some, the return to the second tier will stir up memories of short-lived managerial reigns and turbulence.
Below are the shortest reigns in the history of Leeds United, excluding caretaker managers.
1. Reigns ranked
Here are the shortest reigns in Leeds United history. Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
2. 8. Paul Heckingbottom (16 games)
He has enjoyed success at Sheffield United but his Leeds tenure was a largely forgettable one. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
3. 7. Uwe Rosler (12 games)
Rosler was axed with Leeds sitting 18th in the Championship in October 2015. Photo: Martin Willetts/Getty Images
4. 6. Javi Gracia (12 games)
There was promise early on but the spark under Gracia fizzled out quickly. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images