United States have appointed former New Zealand coach John Mitchell until the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Mitchell replaces Mike Tolkin in charge of the Eagles after he left following the recent World Cup in England, his side impressing despite failing to win a match in Pool B.

Apart from a 64-0 drubbing by South Africa, the USA were able to worry Samoa, Scotland and Japan in the pool stages – scoring 50 points in the process.

Former All Blacks coach Mitchell has signed a four-year deal and will hope to lean on his experience with the world champions to improve the United States' game.

"I'm excited about putting my strengths into play and building on the solid work laid down in the last World Cup cycle," he told the USA Rugby website.

"I see this as a wonderful opportunity to play a key part in inspiring, mentoring, creating confidence and stability in transforming USA rugby into a strong, globally competitive unit by the end of 2019."

He added: "They struggled to get back on structure and get into shape from chaos [at the World Cup].

"They often denied themselves opportunities to put pressure on the opposition as a result of this.

"Plenty of good stuff though that will become even better when the players understand their structures and own it."

Mitchell's first game in charge will be against Argentina on February 6 in Houston. He coached New Zealand from 2001 to 2003, guiding the All Blacks to a semi-final defeat against hosts Australia.