Paul Tisdale has missed out on the coveted England Under-21 job with the FA choosing to appoint former Everton and Derby County midfielder Lee Carsley.
The Daily Mail report that Tisdale was among the final two candidates to succeed Aidy Boothroyd but the FA have opted for England U20 coach Carsley.
Booyroyd left his position in June at the end of his contract following England's poor showing at the European Under-21 Championships in which they failed to get past the group stage.
Tisdale was dismissed by Rovers in February after a dismal run of form which sent the Gas plummeting towards the bottom four of League One.
After taking over from Ben Garner in November with Rovers 18th in the table, Tisdale won just five of 19 games amid concerns over his knowledge of League One, the squad that had been assembled and his man management.
The 48-year-old departed north Bristol swiftly after publicly criticising the club's recruitment operation after Rovers had unsuccessfully pursued Jayden Stockley during the January window only for the striker to join Charlton Athletic.
Since leaving Rovers, Tisdale has worked for League Two Colchester United in an advisory capacity to former head coach Hayden Mullins and had been linked with the vacancies at Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Town.
His 12 years with Exeter City has maintained his reputation in the wider football community with Tisdale leading the Grecians to to promotions and managing the club as a host of young talent, such as Ollie Watkins, Matt Grimes and Ethan Ampadu, came through the ranks.
In March it was revealed that Tisdale had considered legal action following claims by current Rovers manager Joey Barton that he and predecessor Ben Garner had been "negligent" in their coaching of the team and management of the squad.
Tisdale didn't pursue any litigation but did contact Rovers and requested that video footage of Barton's press conference stating the allegations be removed from the club website.
