But an olive branch has been handed to Otago coach Cory Brown, who may be involved with the franchise next year.
The Highlanders yesterday announced Delaney (43), who is in his first year coaching Canterbury in the domestic competition, has been appointed as the side's defence coach for the 2018-19 seasons.
He will finish his spell with Canterbury at the end of the season and be replaced by Joe Maddock.
Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said the franchise had many applications and also shoulder-tapped people for the job.
``We're really happy to have picked up Glenn. We were looking for someone really specific. Somebody who can take up the good work done by Scott [McLeod] and then take it forward,'' Clark said.
``Glenn has got a lot of experience and he has been exposed to what is going on in the northern hemisphere and the way the game is going on up there ... the best defensive teams at the moment come from the northern hemisphere.
``That is something we need to keep an eye on and look at what they are doing.''
Rush defence was employed very successfully by the British and Irish Lions but is barely used by Super Rugby teams.
Delaney will join head coach Aaron Mauger and assistant Mark Hammett in the coaching team - all three have coached or played for Canterbury.
Clark said where a person was from had no bearing on appointments.
``Our job is to get 40 players and get the best out of them and to have the management in place to get the best out of the players. The last thing we look at is where they come from.''
Some people might have an issue with the appointments of former Canterbury players and coaches but it had no bearing on the appointment, he said.
He said the players' leadership group was well established at the Highlanders.
The culture and the environment at the Highlanders had been established over time and new people coming in wanted to fit into the culture.
Born in Timaru, Delaney left New Zealand as an 19-year-old to play rugby as a loose forward in Japan. He then had stints in France and the United Kingdom. He retired in 2004 and coached at Nottingham and was then involved with London Irish.
He returned to coach Canterbury earlier this year.
Clark said Delaney had applied but was also a coach the Highlanders had an eye on. Mauger knew of Delaney and his coaching abilities.
Brown had applied and was unsuccessful but Clark said the franchise was looking to get him involved to some degree.
``Obviously with Cory being the Otago coach then he is very close to our group. We are hoping he will be involved in some capacity next year.
``We're not sure yet in what way but Cory has a great future in front of him.
``But nothing has been finalised yet.''
Brown said yesterday he was talking to the Highlanders and was keen to take the next step and get involved with Super Rugby.
He may end up being involved with both the Highlanders and Otago.
Delaney's wife and four children are still in the United Kingdom but are expected to travel to Dunedin early next year.