NEWARK -- Not a chance.

That's pretty much what Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday when asked if he'd accept an offer from President Donald Trump to head the FBI in the wake of the president's firing of former director James Comey.

The governor insisted he has no interest in the job.

"No. I'm finishing out my term," Christie responded to a reporter who asked the question at a public event in Newark.

With Christie previously on the short list for various jobs in Trump's administration, there was some speculation the governor, a former federal prosecutor, could be tapped to replace ousted chief Comey.

In an early tweet last week, Trump said Comey "will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job, bringing back the spirit and prestige of the FBI."

Last week, Christie dismissed the furor over Trump's firing of Comey as "hysteria" and also stressed he's intent on finishing out a term that ends next January.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook.