Sunderland are on the hunt for a permanent successor to Michael Beale, who saw his disastrous tenure ended in the new year, leaving Mike Dodds to take interim charge until the end of the season. After finishing 16th in the Championship, 10 places worse off than the previous campaign, the Black Cats have begun their search for a new head coach.
Ex-Reims manager Will Still is believed to have engaged in advanced talks with the club before U-turning when news of Lens’ interest in the former Preston North End man broke. Since then, decision-makers at the Stadium of Light have pivoted with reports linking the club to Dutch coach Jansen.
Jansen was head coach of AZ between 2020 and 2024. The 51-year-old also played youth football with Ajax before his career was cut short due to a knee injury. Jansen has previously worked with Jong PSV for two seasons between 2015-2017.
But what are bookmakers Sky Bet saying about Jansen and Still’s chances alongside other candidates? Here, we take a look:
13. Steve Cooper
The former Nottingham Forest man has been given odds of 50/1 to become Sunderland's next permanent head coach by Sky Bet. He was priced at 25/1 last week. Photo: Alex Davidson
14. Neil Warnock
The former Sheffield United, Cardiff City, Aberdeen and Huddersfield Town man has been given odds of 50/1 to become Sunderland's next permanent head coach by Sky Bet. He was priced at 40/1 last week. Photo: Ian MacNicol
15. Marek Papszun
The Polish coach has been given odds of 50/1 to become Sunderland's next permanent head coach by Sky Bet. He was 33/1 last week. Photo: KURT DESPLENTER
16. Gus Poyet
Gus Poyet, formerly of Sunderland, Leeds United and Chelsea, is priced at 50/1 to take over from Michael Beale at Sunderland this summer. He was priced a 50/1 last week. Photo: Charles McQuillan