Howe's departure from Newcastle in July prompted immediate speculation over his next move, given the success he enjoyed at St James' Park and previously at Bournemouth.
He took Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League before guiding Newcastle away from relegation trouble, securing two Champions League qualifications and ending the club's 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by winning the League Cup in 2025.
However, people close to Howe say he is not currently thinking about another job. After leaving Newcastle, he made clear that he wanted a break from both the club and football, reports the Telegraph.
Family is a major factor. Howe has three sons and wants to spend more time with them after years of being consumed by the demands of management.
His previous break after leaving Bournemouth lasted more than a year before he returned to work at Newcastle in November 2021. A similar period away from the dugout cannot be ruled out.
When Howe does return, the level of the job will matter. He is not expected to accept an appointment simply to get back into management, particularly after the achievements of his Newcastle tenure.
That could limit the Premier League options available to him. Crystal Palace and Fulham are among the clubs that could potentially be linked with Howe if vacancies arise, but the former Newcastle manager is not expected to view a relegation battle or a club without ambitions of competing for trophies as an attractive proposition.
An overseas move would also have to fit with his family circumstances.
The England job could be different. Howe has previously been considered by the Football Association and has made no secret of his desire to manage the national team one day. He was not interested when the opportunity arose after Gareth Southgate's departure, but his circumstances have since changed.
Howe also remains close to former Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth, who wanted to appoint him at Manchester United when Erik ten Hag was dismissed.
Thomas Tuchel is currently contracted to lead England into the 2028 European Championship, meaning the position is unlikely to become available unless circumstances change before then.
For Howe, the immediate priority is simpler. After five years at Newcastle and a demanding period in management, he has time to decide what comes next.