Commanders 'do NOT plan to hire Bill Belichick' after his exit from the Patriots... despite claims that Washington owner Josh Harris wanted legendary New England coach

Robert Kraft hinted that Belichick is planning to coach elsewhere next seasonBelichick and the Patriots announced a mutual parting of ways on ThursdayDailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

The Washington Commanders are not planning to try and hire former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, according to Bleacher Report.

Belichick and the Patriots announced that they were parting ways on Thursday after months of uncertainty surrounding the 71-year-old’s future in New England.

There had been suggestions that new Commanders owner Josh Harris was ‘enamored’ with the idea of hiring Belichick – despite the Patriots’ dismal season.

New England chief Robert Kraft also indicated to reporters that Belichick still intends to coach in the NFL next season.

But reports on Thursday evening claimed the Commanders are planning to go in a ‘different direction’.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris is not expected to try and hire Bill Belichick

Belichick and the New England Patriots announced they were parting ways on Thursday

The Commanders are among several teams with head coaching vacancies following the firing of Ron Rivera.

Bleacher Report also claim that the Commanders have narrowed down their search for a new General Manager to just two candidates.

Washington is expected to hire either Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham or San Francisco 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters.

On the head coaching front, meanwhile, Washington has reportedly requested interviews with a number of possible candidates.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach Anthony Weaver, Lions DC Aaron Glenn, Los Angeles Rams DC Raheem Morris, Ravens DC Mike Macdonald, and Houston Texans OC Bobby Slowik are all under consideration, according to the Washington Post.

The Commanders are also said to be considering hiring Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham

Washington has also been linked with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

The Commanders also recently hired former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman to help the team pick their next head coach.

The Commanders are not the only team who have reportedly closed the door on the possibility of pursing Belichick.

The New York Giants are not considering a reunion with their one-time defensive coordinator, according to the New York Post.