Steve Martin (51) confirmed to the Otago Daily Times after the team's 22-19 win over Counties-Manukau on Saturday he would not be seeking another term as Otago coach.
Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Reid said the position would be advertised later this week, with an appointment due next month.
Latta played 161 games for Otago, all but a handful in the hooking role, and he still lives in Balclutha.
He recently confirmed he was interested in the Otago job and said he did not think he would have to move to Dunedin if appointed.
Latta attended a coaching course at the International Rugby Academy in Palmerston North earlier this year to build on the experience he has gained coaching Otago Country.
He has worked with Marty Hurring, the astute coach of South Otago High School, but it is not yet known if Hurring will seek higher coaching honours.
Former Otago midfield back John Leslie would have to be in the mix, though he has committed to coaching University A again next year.
Another candidate may be former Otago first five-eighth John Haggart.
He missed out to Martin four years ago, then coached the Canterbury backline for three years.
He resigned from that position last year but is still involved with the Canterbury union in a coaching resource position.
He is keen to get back to coaching and it would be hard to imagine his not showing any interest in the Otago position.
Wellington coach Jamie Joseph has also been rumoured to be keen, though the former Otago and All Black loose forward might be reluctant to would leave his position in the capital to return to Dunedin.
Joseph does have designs on higher positions, and with there being plenty of competition for the Hurricanes role after Colin Cooper steps down next year, he may be tempted to come South and sit for a couple of years before taking on the Highlanders.
Andre Bell, Joseph's assistant at Wellington, may also put his hand up, although his last head coaching stint, with Bay of Plenty, was not particularly successful.
Otago assistant coach Bruce Carvell has not decided if he will apply.
Otago B coaches Mike Moeahu and Andy Hunter both sought the position last year and will probably try again.
Moeahu is not coaching Alhambra-Union next year after four years in charge of the premier side, while Hunter took over Taieri last season in a caretaking role.
Other candidates may include North Otago coach Mike Mullins and Otago resource coach Phil Young.
Martin's position was advertised last year and he was reappointed on a one-year contract.
The New Zealand Rugby Union has yet to work out the format of provincial rugby's top division for next year, and this may have an impact on the role of the Otago coach.
