Speculation has been rampant that Brown, the veteran first five, is poised for a dramatic rise in the coaching ranks and will replace the co-coaching partnership of Phil Mooney and Andy Hunter.
Brown returned to play for Otago after a seven-year absence this season and assisted the co-coaches as a technical adviser.
The 36-year-old is now back in Japan, for one final season with the Sanyo club, but he has indicated his wish to return to Otago.
Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Reid said he could not comment on speculation the former All Black had been given the nod.
"I can't speculate on rumours," Reid said yesterday.
"But when we are ready, which will probably be in about 48 hours, we'll have something to say. I can't say anything at the moment."
Brown's coaching experience is limited and some eyebrows may be raised if he gets the top job.
An added complication could be the requirement that an ITM Cup coach holds a full-time position. Brown does not return from Japan until the autumn, so he will miss the key period of building a squad and initial training.
But the Kaitangata product is widely respected for his toughness and dedication, he has vast playing experience, and he is regarded as an under-rated thinker on the game.
Another option for Otago could be Young, the former Southland coach and Highlanders and Otago assistant. Young, who helped guide Taieri to the club banner this season and works for the union as a resource coach, has long been considered a potential Otago coach.
If he is not offered the top job, it seems likely he will be Brown's assistant or mentor.
A third member of the coaching team could be former All Black prop Kees Meeuws, who has indicated he is retiring after coming back in the twilight of his career to give Otago three more seasons of sterling service.
There is little about the dark arts of scrummaging that Meeuws has not learned, so he would be a natural fit for the union.
Mooney is heading back to Australia after two years, to join Brisbane's Wests club. Co-coach Hunter has not yet declared his hand but is understood to be returning to his full-time job as a school principal.
Whatever happens, Otago will have its fourth coaching team in four seasons as it tries to arrest its slump.
Meanwhile, the ORFU is still working out exactly where it will be based when it leaves mothballed Carisbrook.
"We just have to figure out where we are going," Reid said.
"We have got a big garage sale at Carisbrook in November.
There are a couple of options towards the north end of town but nothing signed yet. But there is nothing surer than we will be moving."
