Rotherham United are keen to lure Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder to the New York Stadium, according to Sky sources.
The Millers sacked Neil Redfearn on Monday after the team dropped into the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone following a run of just one win in eight matches.
Redfearn had only been in charge since October when he took over after Steve Evans' departure to Leeds United.
Rotherham are now understood to have targeted their former defender Wilder, who played 132 games for them between 1992 and 1996, as his replacement due to his impressive record with Northampton in League 2 this season - they are five points clear at the top after a run of 11 wins in 12 matches.
However, Northampton say they have yet to receive any approach for permission to speak to Wilder.
Millers assistant manager Nicky Eaden will take charge of first-team matters while the club search for a new permanent boss, but coach Andy Hughes has left his post with immediate effect. "We thank Andy for his efforts and wish him well for the future," the club said in a statement.
Eaden will be assisted by fitness coach Paul Warne and goalkeeper coach Andy Dibble.
Wilder, 48, meanwhile, who lives in Sheffield, has also been linked with the vacant managerial position at Barnsley in recent days but he told the Northampton Chronicle & Echo this week that he believes he and his players are creating something special at Sixfields and he wants to see the job through.
He said: "I have a smile on my face, we are top of the league here, we are going great and I am enjoying my time at the club. I have enjoyed every period of my time here, even the tough times, because I work for good people.
"I have shown my loyalty in every job I have had, and what will be will be, but I am going to keep my head down, and every time I am asked a question about another job, I'm sorry but it is a bog-standard answer: 'I am keeping my head down'.
"We have good times ahead of us, a fantastic end of season and one we really should be looking forward to as supporters and players. The players are playing with a smile on their faces, and there is a real buzz about the place."
Wilder moved to Sixfields in January 2014 after resigning as Oxford United's boss following six years at the Kassam Stadium during which he led the Us back into the Football League.
He had previously managed Alfreton Town and Halifax Town as well as having a spell as assistant boss at Bury.