Hull lost patience with Phil Brown on Monday with the club in danger of relegation from the Premier League, firing the manager who memorably berated his players on the pitch at halftime in a match.
Brown was fired less than two years after guiding Hull into the top division for the first time in its 104-year history.
Despite being a firm favorite to be immediately relegated, the north east club survived in 2009. But Brown's side has won only five matches this season and is three points adrift of safety.
Hull chairman Adam Pearson has repeatedly warned of the dire financial consequences of relegation since returning to the club last year to replace Paul Duffen.
"Retention of Premier League status is paramount and the board believes that a change in managerial direction is the correct option at this time," Pearson said.
Hull, which is second last in the standings, has put Brian Horton and Steve Parkin in temporary charge. The favorites to replace Brown fulltime - Gary Megson and Alan Curbishley - are both out of work, so Hull wouldn't have to pay any compensation.
Brown took over as manager in January 2007, succeeding Phil Parkinson, and kept them in the second tier that season, finishing one place and seven points above the relegation zone.
The following season, he led the team to promotion after beating Bristol City in the League Championship playoff final at Wembley.
Hull achieved six wins from its first nine Premier League matches, including a victory over Arsenal, and Brown was starting to be touted as a possible successor to England coach Fabio Capello.
But Brown's problems mounted from December 2008, when he sat his players down on the pitch at Manchester City with Hull trailing 4-0 and gave a public team talk.
"I am obviously very disappointed with the club's decision and the fact that I will now not have the opportunity to secure Hull City's status in the Premier League for a third consecutive season," Brown said.
"I am very proud of my achievements during my time as manager, especially having led the team into the top flight of football for the first time in the club's 104-year history and ahead of schedule."
