A premiership coach with Port Adelaide in 2004, Williams is the early favourite for the Melbourne job following Monday's sacking of Mark Neeld.
The 54-year-old, who coached the Power for 11 years before stepping down in 2010, crossed to Richmond in September last year after serving as Kevin Sheedy's senior assistant at GWS for two seasons.
Hardwick said he was well aware of Williams' qualities and the possibility he could be lost to the Tigers, who have spoken highly of his influence on the club's young players, particularly midfielder Dustin Martin.
"It's just one of those things that happens at this time of year when a coach goes down," Hardwick said on Thursday.
"People work to their utmost in their current job and 'Choco' is no different.
"Whatever happens over at Melbourne happens. We just worry about what we can control in these four walls.
"He'll work incredibly hard doing what he does, and that's helping develop our kids.
"We've got no concerns."
Richmond faces the prospect of losing Williams and club legend Wayne Campbell, who is head of leadership development and opposition analyst.
Campbell, who was last week inducted into the club's Hall of Fame, has been linked to the Western Bulldogs' football manager job, which was vacated by James Fantasia, who crossed to Hawthorn in April.
"I've got some great coaches on my team," Hardwick said.
"It's a credit to the organisation, (chief executive) Brendon Gale and the board, that we're starting to be in this situation, which we haven't been for some time."
Richmond faces the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night and Hardwick said his team was bracing for a fierce clearances and contested ball battle.
Changes are unlikely to the team that beat Adelaide by 38 points, with David Astbury seemingly doing enough to hold his spot as a late replacement for Jake Batchelor.
Hardwick said small forward Robin Nahas, who played his fifth and last game this season in round nine, would have to wait for his opportunity, despite strong VFL form.
"At the moment he's basically competing with Shane Edwards and Jake King for a spot and we probably think those two guys have got him at the moment," Hardwick said.
"The competition has definitely increased, [but] Robin to his credit is playing some reasonable football.
"He's just got to wait for his opportunity and I've got no doubt he'll take it.
"He's certainly got some things in his game that we really like. He's a noted goalkicker."
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
