The Otago coach is leaving the role at the end of the season and heading off on a family trip around the United States.
Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Kinley was reluctant to "comment too much".
Kinley confirmed there had been good interest in the role.
"What I can say is that there has been strong interest in the role from local, national and international coaches.
"Timeframes aren't set as all the HR processes are dependent on the availability of candidates for interviews, then referee checks followed by any required notice period."
The potential leading candidates could have handed in their application, rather than posted it through the mail.
Otago assistant coaches Tom Donnelly and Ryan Martin should at least make the shortlist if they have applied.
Martin, who previously coached the Otago Boys' First XV, landed a job in Singapore coaching the Asia Pacific Dragons in the new Global Rapid Rugby competition this year.
He is in his second year with Otago as the attack coach.
Donnelly is in his third year as forwards coach.
The 37-year-old made more than 80 appearances for Otago between 2002 and 2013 and played 65 games for the Highlanders from 2004-11.
His career peaked in 2009 and 2010, when he made 15 appearances for the All Blacks.