Jewell has stunned Wigan by quitting as boss just 24 hours after he saved the Latics from relegation on the final day of the Premiership season.
Jewell has been tipped to replace under-fire Stuart Pearce at Manchester City, according to newspapers.
The 42-year-old joined Wigan in June 2001 from Sheffield Wednesday.
He told the club’s website: “I have made this decision with a heavy heart but I feel it is time for me to have a break from football.”
He added: “I have given everything I have as a person to bringing success here over the past six years.
“It is not an easy thing to walk away from somewhere and something which has been such a part of your life for so long.”
