Tony Mowbray has ended any speculation linking him with the Hibs after admitting a return to Scotland isn't the right fit for him.
The former Celtic manager cut his teeth in management with the Hibees in a two-year spell after being appointed in 2004.
He led the club to third and fourth place finishes before moving on to West Brom and returning to manage the Hoops in 2008.
Mowbray is leaving Blackburn Rovers after five years in charge and was among the bookies favourites for a return to Leith to replace Shaun Maloney.
Hibs supremo on Gordon will begin interviews this week. Michael Appleton, Karl Robinson and Malky Mackay are among the names touted for the job.
But Mowbray insists his next challenge will be down south - adding that he has experienced the pinnacle of Scottish football with Celtic and Hibs.
Asked where he sees his next move, the 58-year-old said: “I think a club that is ambitious, a club that wants to get to the Premier League.
“I would suggest not Scottish football, I have done the pinnacle of Scottish football.
“It didn’t work out for me.
“I think a challenge to get to the Premier League in the hugely competitive division this is would be an ideal situation for me.”
Mowbray only last 10 months in charge at Celtic and was sacked as the Hoops lost their grip on the Scottish title.
He returned to management with Middlesbrough and in 2017 was appointed Blackburn boss, guiding the Ewood Park club back to the Championship and this season to an eighth place finish.
