Sunderland say they are in talks with potential new owners, and that the search for a new manager will be put on hold while negotiations are ongoing.
Owner Ellis Short is currently in talks with "interested parties".
The Black Cats are seeking a replacement for David Moyes, who left his post in May after relegation from the Premier League.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes was offered the role but rejected the opportunity in favour of staying at Pittodrie.
An update on the club website read: "With this backdrop, we have been unable to give the assurances any potential candidate would need regarding the plans a new owner could have for the manager's position.