Saints' owner Keith Barwell told BBC Sport Online that he had offered Smith the job and was awaiting a decision from the New Zealander.

"He's been offered the job - whether or not he'll accept it is another matter," Barwell said on Wednesday.

"He's over on the other side of the world and it depends what his family thinks about the idea and what the New Zealand Rugby Union thinks.

"I don't expect to be able to make an announcement for at least a fortnight," Barwell added.

John Steele will remain as director of rugby as Barwell seeks to arrest the team's decline.

Saints won the European Cup two years ago but have slumped to third from bottom of the Zurich Premiership table.

Barwell has already announced a restructuring of the Saints coaching team, with former Great Britain rugby league chief Andy Goodway and Colin Deans being sacked.

Speaking after Friday's 13-13 draw with Harlequins, Barwell was outspoken in his criticism of some of the Franklin's Gardens playing staff.

"We presently have a third of players who are playing out of their skins, which we are absolutely delighted with," he said.

"There is also a third who give a lot of commitment but do not have the necessary skills.

"And another third have the necessary skills but are not giving enough commitment."

Steele has made it clear that there will be big changes to help put the club back on track.

"Some players have taken their opportunities this season, but others have not and it is those who will be replaced," he said.

Steele went on to give his backing to the chairman's actions.

"Keith Barwell is a very fair and shrewd man. If he makes changes it will be in the best interests of the club," he said.

"I am passionate about Northampton. It is not just about employment for me. I have been here seven years as a player and three as director of rugby.

"We are always looking at improving the playing side of the club."