Tony Mowbray’s replacement, Michael Beale, was sacked earlier this month after a disastrous 12-game stint at the Academy of Light, with first-team coach Mike Dodds taking interim charge until the summer.
As well as that huge managerial decision, Sunderland also have several contract and transfer calls to make with nine players currently set to leave the club as it stands during the summer at the end of the season.
Here, we take a look at the nine players currently set to leave Sunderland in a couple of months:
5. Ellis Taylor
The 20-year-old midfielder, who can also play in defence when required, sees his contract expire this summer with the former Hartlepool United loanee set to leave Sunderland in June as things stand. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Michael Spellman
The Sunderland under-21 attacker will see his contract expire during the summer. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Jack Diamond
The winger, who is currently on loan at Carlisle United is set to leave Sunderland this summer with his contract due to expire. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Kelechi Chibueze
The former Leicester City goalkeeper signed a one-year deal with Sunderland, which will expire this coming summer. Photo: SAFC