The 53-year-old Uruguayan was odds on favourite to re-take the reins at the Stadium of Light with one outlet suspending their market.
However, it wasn’t to be as it was revealed that Poyet would not be returning to Wearside.
Poyet was first appointed as Black Cats head coach in 2013, replacing firey Italian Paulo Di Canio.
His second game in charge, and first at the Stadium of Light, resulted in a 2-1 win against local rivals Newcastle United.
Poyet then took Sunderland to the League Cup final, with wins over Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester United, before a hard-fought loss to Manchester City at Wembley.
He was then sacked the following season with Sunderland sitting in 17th position.
Here, we take a trip down memory lane and look at Poyet’s finest touchline moments, from derby day wins to squaring up to Steve Bruce – simply scroll down to take a look:
1. He's certainly passionate
Not one to hide his feelings, Gus Poyet reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion at Stadium of Light on February 21, 2015 Photo: Laurence Griffiths
2. Poyet also loved a derby day...
Gus Poyet reacts during the Premier League football between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James's Park on December 21, 2014. Photo: IAN MACNICOL
3. Clapping the fans
Gus Poyet celebrates victory after the FA Cup fourth round replay match between Fulham and Sunderland at Craven Cottage on February 3, 2015. Photo: Clive Rose
4. Poyet and Mourinho
Jose Mourinho manager of Chelsea and Gustavo Poyet manager of Sunderland signal from the touchline. Photo: Alex Livesey