Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris was rewarded on Monday until 2028 with a new long-term contract after he had led the club to Premier League promotion.
The 49-year-old Frenchman was appointed in June 2024 after leaving Lorient and led the black cats back to the top flight.
A 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the play-off final of the championship in May marked the return of the club to the Premier League after an absence of eight years.
“The connection I have with the staff, players and supporters has of course been and we have shared many great moments together,” said Le Bris, whose side opened their 2025/26 campaign on August 16 for West Ham.
“The collective ambition is to see and now there is a desire to become stronger. I can feel the energy and intention to move forward, and we need that in the following challenges that we are confronted with.
“In every part of the organization everyone has their own role to play, and we are all coordinated.”
Sunderland finished fourth in the championship last season before gaining a dramatic play-off semi-final victory over Coventry to protect their place at Wembley, where the winner of Tommy Watson Top football secured.
The club signed eight players in the summer, including former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen -midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Director Football Florent Ghisolfi said: “Regis's new contract is a sign of recognition for the excellent work he has done since he has arrived in Sunderland, and more importantly, it reflects our confidence in the future that we build together.
“Our goal is to set up Sunderland as a Premier League club – not only in name, but in identity, performance and ambition – and Regis is an important part of that vision.”