Sunderland have confirmed that head coach Régis Le Bris has signed a new long-term contract to remain at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2028.
The 49-year-old Frenchman, who arrived on Wearside in June 2024, has been rewarded after guiding the Black Cats back into the Premier League with a high‑octane promotion campaign in his inaugural season in charge.
Le Bris, who had two years remaining on his original deal, agreed the extension following a spell of outstanding performance that saw Sunderland end their eight‑year exile from the top flight by winning the Championship play‑off final in May 2025.
“The connection I have with the staff, players, and supporters has been natural, and we shared many great moments together,” the coach reflected. “The collective ambition is there to see and now, there is a desire to become stronger. I can feel the energy and intent to push forward, and we need that in the next challenges we will face. In every part of the organisation, everyone has their own part to play, and we are all aligned.”
Behind the scenes, Sunderland’s hierarchy welcomed the decision. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Like every Sunderland supporter, I’m delighted we are announcing this contract extension for Régis. It provides clarity going into the Premier League season, but more importantly it recognises his contribution and continued commitment to the Club.”
“Régis has an unrelenting desire for progression that matches our own and we look forward to continuing our partnership throughout the upcoming season, as we move forward with aligned objectives that reflect our shared ambition.”
Director of football Florent Ghisolfi added: “Regis’ new contract is a mark of recognition for the outstanding work he’s undertaken since arriving at Sunderland, and more importantly, it reflects our trust in the future we’re building together.”
“Our objective is to establish Sunderland as a Premier League club – not just in name, but in identity, performance, and ambition – and Régis is an important part of that vision. He shares our desire, and we are ready to face the challenges and opportunities ahead with conviction and purpose.”
Le Bris’s arrival last summer represented a bold gambit. Recruited from French side Lorient—where he served as head coach after a long spell leading the club’s B team—he arrived largely unknown in England but instantly attracted attention with his academic background and progressive approach.
A former defender, Le Bris holds a doctorate in human physiology and biomechanics as well as a diploma in sports psychology.
His tactical philosophy, centred on triangular passing dynamics, possession control, and adaptive formations, breathed new life into a club in flux.
Sunderland emerged as one of the youngest in Europe with a median squad age of just 22.4, emphasising youth development and resale potential.
Le Bris’s faith in emerging talents such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg gradually turned a sceptical fanbase into believers, especially after a blistering start that vaulted the team to the top of the Championship early on.
By the end of the season, Sunderland had secured play-off glory—beating Coventry City over two legs in the semi‑finals before a dramatic 2‑1 victory over Sheffield United at Wembley.
That triumph, orchestrated by Le Bris in his first managerial season in English football, capped one of the most memorable campaigns in recent club history.
More context to the background shows how Le Bris transformed Sunderland’s culture. Initially introduced to English football culture almost by accident, he learned of Sunderland through the Netflix documentary “Sunderland ’Til I Die,” which inspired him to take on the challenge of reviving the club’s identity.
His methods included innovative training practices, psychological rigour, and a measurable emphasis on player development, as evidenced by Saturday performances that focused on efficiency and patience even when possession stats were not overwhelming.
This summer, Sunderland have backed their ambition with investment.
Eight new signings have already been added to Le Bris’s squad—among them Granit Xhaka, Reinildo Mandava, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée and goalkeeper Robin Roefs—to prepare for the rigours of a Premier League campaign that begins at home to West Ham on 16 August.
Amid transfer speculation, it was reported that Le Bris had been approached by another Premier League club earlier in the window but chose to stay at Sunderland, reflecting his commitment to the project he has helped initiate on Wearside.