Wigan have sacked manager Gary Caldwell but chairman David Sharpe admitted it was "the toughest decision" of his tenure.
Caldwell guided the Latics to the Sky Bet League One title last term but they have struggled on their return to the second tier.
Wigan, currently 23rd in the Championship, have won just two league games this term and the decision was made to end Caldwell's 18-month stint in charge at the DW Stadium.
Sharpe, who took over as chairman from his grandfather Dave Whelan in March last year, told the club's official website: "It's undoubtedly the toughest decision I've had to make since becoming chairman.
"We deservedly won the League One title last season. However, we have not managed to carry on that momentum into this season and, after careful consideration over a period of time, I feel that we need to act now in the best long term interests of the club."
Former Scotland defender Caldwell, who ended his playing career at Wigan and captained the club to FA Cup success in 2013, was appointed boss in April 2015.
However a run of one win in 12 Championship games leaves the Latics facing an immediate return to League One.
"We thank Gary for all the hard work he has put in and wish him all the best for the future," added Sharpe.
"We need to identify a new manager who can have an immediate impact and deliver success in the long term."
Wolves have announced head coach Walter Zenga's contract has been terminated with immediate effect.
Zenga's departure comes with the Sky Bet Championship club lying 18th in the table, having won just four of their 14 league fixtures this season and lost four of their last five.
The 56-year-old former Italy goalkeeper was only appointed to the role by Wolves' new Chinese owners on July 30, taking over from Kenny Jackett.
Zenga's sacking was confirmed by a statement from the Midlands outfit on Tuesday afternoon.
It revealed his assistant Stefano Cusin had also left and that first-team coach Rob Edwards had been placed in interim charge, supported by Under-23s coach Scott Sellars.
The statement added: "Wolves will be conducting a thorough process to recruit a new head coach and won't be revealing any timescales associated with this important task.
"The club would like to extend their thanks and best wishes to Walter and Stefano for their contribution to Wolves during the season so far.
"Wolves will be making no further comment at this stage."
While this was Zenga's first job in England, the ex-Inter Milan player arrived at Wolves with a wealth of managerial experience under his belt following time in charge of the likes of Steaua Bucharest, Red Star Belgrade, Catania, Palermo and Sampdoria.
Things started well, with the Molineux club's first four league games this term seeing them claim eight points.
But only eight more have been earned in the subsequent 10 outings, and Saturday's 1-0 home loss to Leeds proved to be Zenga's last match.
Wolves are next in action on Saturday when they face Blackburn away.