The Rugby Paper reports Richards has emerged as the front runner to take over at Scotstoun just weeks after leaving Newcastle.
Earlier in the week press reports indicated Todd Blackadder was favourite to replace Danny Wilson but the Rugby Paper article says the former All Blacks skipper's interest in the job has cooled.
Richards has previously said he would be open to working outside the Premiership. The former England and Lions No.8 is believed to have had a meeting about the job with the Warriors.