But that one year has taught him a valuable lesson that he will take into his new job as coach of the Japanese national team.
New Zealand Rugby acknowledged the commitment of Joseph last week, giving him a pounamu mere in recognition of his 101 games at the helm for the Highlanders.
The traditional gift was presented by former Highlanders coach and coaching mentor Tony Gilbert at a farewell function for Joseph.
Joseph (46) said he never thought he would coach the side for 100 games but it had all worked out well.
He was now looking forward to the next challenge.
``I'm excited about going to Japan. I feel very proud of what we have achieved at the Highlanders but I'm really looking forward to going to Japan,'' he said when contacted yesterday.
``We are going to have to climb that mountain again. This is the sort of thing which really excites me. It is going to be tough.''
The Cherry Blossoms are set to play November internationals against Argentina, Wales, Georgia and Fiji.
``They are tough games but that is what Japan needs. If we want to be prepared to meet these tier-one teams then we need tough games like these ones.''
Joseph would not be looking to New Zealand ranks to bolster the Japanese teams with veteran players from this country.
``I've learnt that lesson from 2013. You've got to develop your own guys and get their own experiences. If you take older players then you're not going to be successful.''
In 2013 the Highlanders signed some so-called star All Blacks such as Ma'a Nonu and Tony Woodcock but had a poor season, finishing second-last.
Joseph admitted yesterday that 2013 season dragged but overall the six years of coaching had gone quickly.
``I've learnt a lot all the way along - just things like perseverance and working hard.''
In the 101 games he coached the Highlanders, the side had 54 wins and 47 losses
It made the playoffs three times in his six years, climaxing with a title win last year.
Joseph will leave for Japan next week.
Otago B scored a narrow 38-37 win over Canterbury Development in its first game of the South Island Invitational tournament at the University Oval on Saturday.
Otago led 17-15 at the break and the lead changed often in the second half.
Midfield back Jerome Harimate scored the decisive try with a couple of minutes to go, and Matt Jones knocked over the conversion to win the game.
Winger Josh Gordon and Harimate scored two tries in the win.
Otago under-19 had a convincing 54-7 win over Southland under-19 in Invercargill on Sunday.