Coventry and Sunderland shared the points in a Championship stalemate, although both sides might have snatched it late on.
The two teams have struggled to replicate the form of last season which took them into the play-offs, and could not be separated.
The hosts dominated the opening 45, with Anthony Patterson twice saving from Matty Godden, while the influential Kasey Palmer sent over a fine ball which Ellis Simms, who scored seven goals in 17 for Sunderland before a loan recall by Everton last season, could not convert.
Former Black Cats goalkeeper Ben Wilson foiled his old side when he was called upon to make a double save from Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin.