Highlanders assistant Peter Russell will not reapply for his job, saying ultimately the buck stops with the coaches.
Russell's contract was up after two years and he said he did not wish to continue in the position, mainly for personal reasons.
The Highlanders announced on Friday they would be advertising the head coach and the assistant coach positions.
Head coach Glenn Moore, who had a year left on his contract, could not be contacted yesterday about his intentions but Russell said he would not be applying for the position.
The Super 14 turns into a Super 15 next year, starting in February and continuing until August, with a three-week break in June for international games.
Russell left family behind in Hawkes Bay when he shifted to Dunedin over the past couple of years and with the competition getting longer, he did not want to continue to live out of a suitcase.
He still had a contract coaching Hawkes Bay until the end of next season.
He had enjoyed working with the players over the last couple of seasons but ultimately the buck stopped with the coaches, he said.
"The scoreboard is the biggest thing that matters.
"Winning football matches is pretty tough these days, but all people are interested in is following a team that wins," he said.
"It is a business we are in and ... it is about being accountable."
The Highlanders finished 12th this season, winning just three games in a season which promised much but delivered little.
Russell said all parts of the team had to take the blame, as "the coaches put the game plan together on the training paddock, which didn't happen out on the field."
Other possible contenders are keeping their cards close to their chests and no-one has yet said they will apply.
The job will be advertised this weekend.
Southland co-coach David Henderson said he would talk to people close to him and then make a decision.
Henderson works with Southland co-coach Simon Culhane in the construction business and said the pair did want to coach the side one day, but he was not sure this was the right time.
Wellington coach Jamie Joseph is coaching the New Zealand Maori side and did not want to comment on his intentions.
Canterbury coach Rob Penney said he would not be applying, as has new Otago coach Phil Mooney.
