Here, we take a look at the names linked with the Stadium of Light hot seat at the time and how they’ve fared since.
Simply scroll down and click through the pages to take a look at how the candidates who snubbed or missed out on the big job at Sunderland have fared this season...
9. Nigel Clough
Nigel Clough stepped down as manager of Burton in May due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the club and is now out of work. Photo: Alex Davidson
10. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is still out of work after spells at Burton and Northampton - and is thought to have applied for the Stadium of Light role after Jack Ross' sacking. Photo: Pete Norton
11. Roy Keane
Roy Keane's name has frequently been linked with a return to the Stadium of Light. The ex-Manchester United star was recently linked with a role with the Azerbaijan national team. Photo: Ross Kinnaird
12. Ian Holloway
'Ollie' said he would run up to the Stadium of Light in order to seal the 'magnificent' opportunity of managing the club. The move didn't happen and Holloway took the manager's job at Grimsby Town, who finished 15th in League Two under the PPG system. Photo: Pete Norton