Sunderland are being linked with a growing number of managers ahead of the summer.
Sunderland sacked Michael Beale in February, following a run of just 12 games in charge.
Mike Dodds took over on a deal until the end of the season, but after a run of one win in seven, it seems highly unlikely Dodds stands chance of landing the permanent job now.
And several names are being linked with the Stadium of Light vacancy.
Steve Cooper is liked by Sunderland, but more recent reports have revealed that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has made Paul Heckingbottom his no.1 target.
Journalist Phil Smith has tipped Sunderland to potentially appoint a new manager before the end of the season.
With that in mind, here are five more out-of-work managers the Black Cats could hire right now…
Jesse Marsch
Jesse Marsch made his name as a manager within the Red Bull system, coaching the likes of New York Red Bulls, Salzburg and Leipzig.
He then got his break in England with Leeds United in 2022.
But the American would leave after just 37 games in charge, with 11 wins to his name (29.73%).
Marsch’s style of play is described as intense, direct, and involving a lot of risks; it sounds somewhat similar to Tony Mowbray’s philosophy which worked wonders with Sunderland.
Graham Potter
Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter would be a hugely ambitious appointment; but then again, Sunderland are an ambitious club with top facilities.
The 48-year-old lasted just 31 games at Chelsea and won 12 (38.71%), before leaving the club in April last year.
Since, Potter has been linked with almost every job that opens up, with some reports even tipping him for Manchester United.
If nothing comes off though and Potter remains out-of-work for much longer, the chances of him dropping down to the Championship may increase.
Nigel Pearson
Nigel Pearson is about experienced as they come in the Football League, having managed a horde of clubs but being best known for his time with Leicester City.
He guided the Foxes to promotion from League One and then from the Championship within five years.
Most recently, Pearson was at Bristol City where he oversaw 131 games and won 42 (32.06%), then being replaced by Liam Manning.
Manning is a well-regarded coach but even he’s struggling to get much more out of the Robins, suggesting that Pearson was a better coach than many gave him credit for.
What’s more is that Pearson helped to develop a tonne of youngsters at Bristol City, including Alex Scott, so he could be ideal for Sunderland.
Julen Lopetegui
Former Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui was most recently in charge of Wolves, where he oversaw just 27 games and won 10 of them (37.04%).
Formerly of Porto and Sevilla, and the Spanish national job too, Lopetegui made his name as a youth coach with the Spanish national side.
He managed the nation’s U19s, U20s, and U21s, even managing Real Madrid B in the past, so he’s certainly someone with pedigree in the youth side of things.
And if this is an avenue Sunderland keep pushing down then Lopetegui could be a shrewd appointment.