(FORTUNE Magazine) – Rick Wagoner isn't the only chief who has seized control in hopes of rescuing an ailing business. These four men also pushed out underlings and put their own reputations on the line, with varying degrees of success. -- Oliver Ryan

PHIL KNIGHT: While CEO, the Nike legend relinquished the president's title twice (in 1983 and 1994) and took it back both times, pulling the company out of ugly slumps.

DAVE PACKARD: In 1989 septuagenarian chairman Packard (with Bill Hewlett) went back to work. They attacked HP's bureaucracy and fired the CEO, but the gains didn't last.

CARLOS GHOSN: Nissan's tireless CEO pulled a Wagoner last year--placing himself in charge of North American operations. The division has since broken all sales records.

CHARLES SCHWAB: In July 2004 the discount brokerage chairman fired CEO David Pottruck and took back the job. Since then Schwab has appeared in company ads and engaged in a price war; the stock is up 23%.