Microsoft is reportedly considering Mulally as a replacement for CEO Steve Ballmer, who is due to step down next year.
Ford spokesman Jay Cooney said the automaker wouldn't comment on the board's discussions. But he said there is no change in Mulally's plan to remain at Ford through at least the end of 2014.
Ford also wouldn't say whether Microsoft is talking to Mulally.
It's not unusual for the board to make significant decisions that aren't announced until later.
A year ago, the board met and nothing was announced. But weeks later, on Nov. 1, the automaker disclosed the appointment of an heir-apparent to well-liked CEO Mulally, who squired the car company through the recession without the wrenching Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations required by General Motors and Chrysler in 2009.
A year ago, directors had approved a new position, COO, reporting directly to Mulally and in effect running the automaker day-to-day. Mark Fields, head of Ford's operations in North and South American, was named to that job.
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The board did announce Thursday that Ford would pay a 10-cent dividend in the fourth quarter. Ford doubled its quarterly dividend to 10 cents in the first quarter of this year.
Ford Motor's shares rose 31 cents, or nearly 2%, to close at $16.93.
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