Jim Jefferies and John McGlynn have both followed Mark Roberts in leaving their posts as the Scottish Professional Football League lost three managers inside 24 hours.
Dunfermline announced Jefferies had stepped aside as manager on Tuesday morning at the same time another former Hearts boss, McGlynn, left Livingston. Ayr United sacked Roberts on Monday night.
Dunfermline sit just five points off League One leaders Forfar but the club appeared to have instigated Jefferies' departure as they hunt for a promotion that could define their immediate future.
A club statement read: "The board of Dunfermline Athletic Football Club confirms that it has been informed by Jim Jefferies that he has decided to step aside as first team manager with immediate effect.
"Head coach John Potter will now take responsibility for first team affairs until the end of this season with Neil McCann also continuing as assistant manager.
"Jim's intention had been to step aside at the end of the year with the team at the top of the league, and pass the reins on to John and Neil, with whom he has worked closely over the last three seasons. Unfortunately, recent results have not been satisfactory so Jim has decided that it is in the best interests of our club that he should step aside now."
Crucially, the statement added: "The current season is pivotal to the long term survival and sustainability of our club as a full time team, so the board felt action had to be taken to improve our immediate league position, and in turn increase our chances of promotion to the Championship."
Jefferies was hailed for his part in keeping the team going after the club's future was put in grave doubt when they went into administration in April 2013 before a fan-led takeover rescued the club.
The statement added: "There is no doubt that many other managers might have walked away from our club, faced with the difficulties in front of him.
"Jim's influence, experience, dignity and leadership were an integral part of the efforts to save our beloved club from insolvency."
McGlynn leaves with Livingston looking forward to a Petrofac Training Cup final against Alloa but sitting bottom of the Championship with just seven points from 16 games.
In a statement on the club's official website, McGlynn said: "It is with great regret that we have mutually agreed to part company but I acknowledge that it is a results business and unfortunately no matter how hard I worked, we could not get the results we all desired."
Ayr, who sit second bottom of League One, announced they had "released Mark Roberts with immediate effect" as Andy Millen took caretaker charge.
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