The Boston Red Sox hunt for a new manager has taken them in the direction of someone familiar with their president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski.

The Red Sox - who announced last week John Farrell would not return as manager next season - interviewed former Detroit Tigers skipper Brad Ausmus on Monday, Dombrowski confirmed to the Boston Herald's Chad Jennings.

Ausmus was told he wouldn't return to manage the Motor City squad in September after leading the Tigers to the worst record in baseball.

The 48-year-old - who reportedly took his name out of the running for the vacant manager position with the New York Mets - was previously hired by Dombrowski in Detroit before the executive departed for the Red Sox. He also interviewed to become the Red Sox manager in 2012 before the team hired Farrell.

Along with Ausmus, the Red Sox also interviewed Houston Astros bench coach Alex Cora on Sunday and reportedly asked for permission to interview Arizona Diamondbacks bench coach Ron Gardenhire, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

In four seasons with the Tigers, Ausmus went 314-332, winning the American League Central title in 2014.