The former All Blacks flanker Jamie Joseph has been offered the Highlanders Super 15 coaching job and has until the end of the week to decide if he wants it.
Radio New Zealand Sport undertands Joseph, has until Friday to decide whether he want to take up the job and return to the province where he made his name on the playing field.
Joseph played for Otago for seven years making 86 appearances.
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has been touted as a likely candidate after Glenn Moore who'd been in the position for the past three years was told last month the role was being advertised.
Hansen though says he hasn't spoke to the Highlanders franchise or the New Zealand rugby union about the role.
Joseph, who played 20 tests for the All Blacks, would be a popular choice with strong links to the region.
He's coached Wellington for the past two years and recently coached the New Zealand Maori side to wins over England and Ireland.