Pardew to Carver to McClaren to Benitez. That's some evolution.
But desperate times call for desperate measures, and with Newcastle United at real risk of relegation it seems owner Mike Ashley ready to turn to the Spaniard.
Various outlets report that the former Real Madrid boss could be in charge in time for Monday's meeting with league leaders Leicester City.
And while Steve McClaren leaving the club would not be a huge shock, the identity of his potential replacement is rather more surprising.
Even so, the response has undoubtedly been mixed.
He's not everyone's first choice
https://twitter.com/JonnyGabriel/status/707514449419214850
But maybe there's some logic to the move
https://twitter.com/awinehouse1/status/707884264910667776
It's a real head-scratcher
https://twitter.com/Hannamayj/status/707691856298119169
People are anticipating a car crash
https://twitter.com/robbro7/status/707933524909756416
While there are plenty of conspiracy theories doing the rounds
https://twitter.com/hmclandress/status/707945089780338688
https://twitter.com/chrs00/status/707691360242016257
But maybe the problems go deeper and even Rafa can't fix them
https://twitter.com/TheM_L_G/status/707694331965022208
https://twitter.com/cathgibs/status/707877177057001472
