We report theoretical investigation on the polarization selective coupling characteristics of a side-polished fiber directional coupler with a thin metal interlayer. Based on normal mode theory the coupling properties of the device under various structural conditions are analyzed. It is shown that the coupling strength between TE modes weakens rapidly with increase or metal interlayer thickness, whereas that between TM modes becomes stronger. The design conditions of the polarization splitter using the coupler to achieve high extinction ratio and low insertion loss are presented.