Pedro Ribeiro has returned to management after leaving Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland coaching staff

Former Sunderland assistant coach Pedro Ribeiro has been appointed as the new head coach of UD Oliveirense.

The Portuguese coach, who worked under Régis Le Bris during Sunderland’s promotion-winning 2024-25 campaign, has taken up the role with the Liga Portugal 2 club after leaving Wearside last summer.

Ribeiro joined Sunderland in October 2024 and was brought in as part of Le Bris’ backroom staff, with a particular focus on the defensive side of the team’s work. He was part of the coaching group that helped the Black Cats secure their return to the Premier League before departing by mutual consent following a summer restructuring of the first-team staff.

UD Oliveirense confirmed his appointment, saying: “Pedro Ribeiro is the new head coach of UD Oliveirense. With experience in both Portuguese and international football, his career includes a stint at Sunderland, where he was part of the coaching staff that secured the club's return to the Premier League. Welcome to UD Oliveirense!”

The 40-year-old has extensive coaching experience in Portugal and abroad. He began coaching at the age of 19 and previously worked as an assistant under Vítor Pereira at Porto, Al-Ahli, Olympiacos, Fenerbahçe and 1860 Munich.

Ribeiro has also held head coach roles in Portugal with Gil Vicente, Belenenses SAD, Penafiel, Académico de Viseu and Leixões. His first senior managerial post came with Gil Vicente in 2018, when he became the youngest coach in Portuguese professional football.

His move to Oliveirense marks his return to management after his spell on Wearside, where he played a role in one of Sunderland’s most significant recent achievements.