Newly-promoted to League One, Crawley have approached the Nottingham Forest coach to replace Steve Evans at the Broadfield Stadium.
Former Doncaster boss O'Driscoll was credited with playing a key role in the Reds' revival after linking up with his old friend Cotterill earlier in the year.
'Hopefully he will be a part of things again next season,' said the Forest boss, confirming that Crawley had made an approach but admitting that the current uncertainty over ownership at the City Ground was preventing him making plans for next season and helping him to persuade O'Driscoll to stay.