The New Zealand Rugby Union announced the Maori team was set to tour North America in November but it would not be coached by Joseph.
Joseph first coached the Maori in 2010 when he was coaching Wellington. The side picked up a couple of notable scalps that year, beating both Ireland and England, in Rotorua and Napier respectively.
It did not play in 2011 but went on a three-match tour of England last year, minus any All Blacks, where it won two games and lost one.
Joseph had decided to step down from the position to focus on his coaching role with the Highlanders. With the Highlanders having a tough year on the field, Joseph may want to give all his energies to the franchise.
He is into his first year of a two-year deal with the Highlanders.
The NZRU will start looking for a new Maori coach next month, with Taranaki coach Colin Cooper an obvious candidate.
The Maori will take on Canada in Toronto on November 3 and then play the United States in Philadelphia on November 9.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said the new sponsorship of AIG last year had enabled the Maori team to make this trip to North America.
A new jersey, which is available already, will be worn by the Maori side for the tour.