But which former Sunderland players, managers, coaches and staff members are still working in football having departed Wearside? Here, we take a look at 40 ex-Sunderland figures still working in football and the media - and their (in some cases) surprising job titles! Take a look below:
33. Tobias Hysen
The one-time Sunderland winger is now an assistant coach at Tvååkers IF, a Swedish football club. Photo: Clive Mason
34. Darren Ward
The former Sunderland stopper is a goalkeeping coach for the England women's national team Photo: Matthew Lewis
35. Grant Leadbitter
Former Sunderland man Grant Leadbitter is now a coach with North East rivals Middlesbrough. Photo: Stu Forster
36. Stephen Elliott
The 40-year-old has also been keeping involved with coaching and had been working at League One outfit Fleetwood Town with the clubs youth teams. However, Stephen Elliott has now been appointed to a new role as Head of Academy Football at St Patrick Athletic in Ireland. Photo: Michael Steele