Callum Davidson has turned down the chance to replace Gary Bowyer as Dundee manager just a month after leaving St Johnstone.
Bowyer left Dens Park five days after being promoted to the Scottish Premiership.
Davidson, 46, was due to watch after the talks but has now changed his mind.
The Dundee club will now look at other options, with former Hearts boss Robbie Neilson among those being considered.
Davidson spent two and a half years at McDiarmid Park, where he won the Scottish Cup and League Cup.
They kept St Johnstone through the play-offs the following season, but left the term after a poor run of form leaving them fighting for survival in the top flight again.
Dundee face a rebuilding team as they prepare to return to the Premier League next season, with many of their Championship winners either out of contract or returning to their parent clubs on loan.
Neilson, 42, led Hearts to third place and a Scottish Cup final last season, but was sacked last month after a poor second half of the campaign allowed Aberdeen to beat them in the third round.
