Woodward became the automatic favourite to get the job, if only by virtue of being the only public candidate to emerge yesterday.
Since the New Zealand Rugby Union announced incumbent coach Glenn Moore's job would be advertised, there has been an overwhelming apathy among the presumed contenders.
There are three schools of thought in play.
The first is that the Highlanders job is a poisoned chalice, that none of the leading coaches wants to risk tarnishing his reputation by working with a franchise past its glory years.
The second theory is that the speculation linking Hansen to the job has scared off coaches who do not want to play second fiddle to one of New Zealand rugby's big cheeses.
Finally, there is the belief among many coaches that the franchise appointments are preordained, and that the application and interview process is merely for show.
Woodward alluded to that belief when he revealed he had sounded out others about the value of filling out his curriculum vitae.
"I spoke to some people to get a reassurance that the position hadn't already been filled," Woodward told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"The bottom line is the job has been advertised, and I am very keen to do it."
Hansen and the NZRU have gone round in circles in recent days, but the clear indication is the All Black assistant wants to work at Super 15 level.
The prospect of inheriting Hansen as an assistant or technical adviser does not bother Woodward.
In fact, he believes it could be an asset when it comes to retaining players.
Most believe Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg and outstanding loose forward Adam Thomson hanker for a switch to the Crusaders, and it would be no surprise if key players Jamie Mackintosh, Jimmy Cowan and Tom Donnelly were seeking coaching stability before committing to the franchise.
"I think Steve's interest in the Highlanders would be a positive," Woodward said.
"It seems a few players down there are sitting on the fence and debating whether to hang around or not.
"If Steve was involved, he would obviously be able to help with that process."
Woodward said he was not bothered at the perception the struggling Highlanders presented a dead end to aspiring coaches.
"It's a challenge coaching Northland," Woodward said.
"I'm used to coaching teams perceived to have less talent than others. That's not something that bothers me."
Woodward is a graduate of the University of Otago and his wife is originally from Dunedin.
He coached the New Zealand Colts for four years and is entering his sixth season as Northland coach.
He also coached the Barbarians and the Blues Development Squad earlier this year.
While Woodward has confirmed his interest, and others have been quick to say "no thanks", the Otago Daily Times has been unable to confirm whether Jamie Joseph wants the Highlanders job.
Joseph, the Wellington and New Zealand Maori coach, has long been considered the favourite.
But he still has not publicly revealed his hand.
Highlanders coach
The response
Bryce Woodward - Yes
Simon Culhane - No
David Henderson - No
Phil Mooney - No
Peter Russell -No
Dave Rennie - No
Rob Penney - No
Glenn Moore - Unlikely
Jamie Joseph - Unknown
Steve Hansen - The wildcard
