Minneapolis, MN -- (Sports Network) - Todd Richards, an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks, has apparently been chosen to become the second head coach in Minnesota Wild franchise history.

The Star-Tribune reported on Monday that Richards, a native of Minnesota and former defenseman for the University of Minnesota's Golden Gophers, is expected to be formally introduced as the Wild's next head coach at a press conference at 1:00 p.m. (et) on Tuesday.

Richards apparently got the nod from general manager Chuck Fletcher because he favors a more up-tempo game in stark contrast to the defensive posture of former head coach Jacques Lemaire, who guided Minnesota for the first eight seasons of its existence.

The 42-year-old had been head coach for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, and led the team to the Calder Cup Finals. In his playing days, Richards won a pair of WCHA crowns with the Gophers, a Calder Cup in 1991 and a Turner Cup with Orlando of the defunct IHL in 2001.