Mullins, who has just completed his third year as North Otago head coach, said he was contracted to coach the side again next year and wanted to continue.
He was interviewed for the Highlanders assistant coaching job last Thursday and was keen to move up the coaching ladder.
"I want to be a career coach and would like to coach at Air New Zealand Cup or Super 14 level if that becomes available," he said.
"But I'm keen to do North Otago again next year and have signed a contract to do that."
Mullins, who turns 38 at the end of the month, said his interview last Thursday had gone all right, but he was in the dark on whether he would be successful.
Hawkes Bay coach Peter Russell appears the favourite.
Mullins also said he might apply for the Otago coaching job, but only after discussions with North Otago union management, and his family.
He could still continue in the North Otago job if he became the Highlanders assistant coach.
Mullins, who said he was settled in Oamaru with his wife Francine, and children Kalib (8), and Cherelle (20) , also worked as a rugby development officer with the North Otago union.
Reviewing the North Otago season, Mullins said the lack of experience probably told on his side.
North Otago, the defending champion, was beaten in the Meads Cup semifinals by Mid Canterbury on Saturday.
"The positive of the season was we were able to give over half the side the experience of a season of Heartland rugby. We had only seven back from last year so to be able to make the semifinals was a good achievement."
Mullins said the side wasted opportunities which was a sign of inexperience.
Injuries did not help but every other side had injuries, so that was no excuse.
He praised loan player loose forward Matt Clutterbuck, who showed excellent leadership qualities, and was a real addition to the squad.
He also said first five-eighth Jeremy Te Huia, winger Lemi Masoe and outside back Pale Tuilagi had good seasons.
The final was too close to call, although Mullins backed Mid Canterbury, which would play Wanganui at Cooks Gardens on Saturday afternoon.
Mullins said the standard of play was on a par as last year but more teams were well prepared.
Taking the field from the reserves bench in a few games, Mullins said he would not play Heartland Championship rugby again, but would still turn out for Excelsior at club level.
A 24-strong North Otago side would tour Japan next month, playing three games, and Mullins was hopeful of getting some players in the Divisional XV to tour the United States.
He hoped skipper and openside flanker Ross Hay, halfback Hamish McKenzie and midfield back Mike Mavor would make the divisional side.
