Scott Johnson has been named head coach of the national team, marking the third time this decade USA Rugby has tapped an Antipodean to lead the Eagles.
The 44-year-old Australian has been given a four-year contract through the next World Cup, a sensible reversal of the union's stance that it would only sign two-year deals.
"This is the last frontier and I’m really looking forward to getting the Eagles in a position to be a world force,” Johnson said in a prepared statement.
Johnson's resume includes staff appointments with Wales and Australia as well as an position as head man of the Dragons. As a player, the center led Australia Under 21 and appeared for New South Wales.
He takes over a team that has plummeted to 19th in the world rankings, a record low, following a first-ever winless season. In three consecutive losses to Canada, the US has twice conceded 50 points and lost by 40.
Fellow Australian Duncan Hall and New Zealander Peter Thorburn also have steered the Eagles in the past 10 years.
Johnson is to begin following the approval of his visa application. The USA's 2008 season begins with the Churchill Cup, in about 10 weeks.
Related: On the next Eagle coach
Hope Melville made that defensive coach hire with Johnson in mind, or Johnson may be in a position like Ashton in England with an inherited staff via Andrews.
Coaching a team without his own back room staff in a developing rugby nation is a potential recipe for disaster.
Personally, I like Scott Johnson and think he is a good choice. He is very clever with the media by being direct and outspoken (cocky), which should play well in the USA. I also like that he is a skills and fitness as a foundation coach, and not from the tactics and theory school. USA does not have the rugby athletes for the latter.
Posted by: Back Room Staff | 01 April 2008 at 10:49
Best of luck to Mr Johnson and our 2008 Eagles.
Posted by: old beaver | 01 April 2008 at 10:58
The USA is so lucky to have Scott Johnson.
I think this is going to work out great.
Posted by: Go The Eagles | 01 April 2008 at 14:39
Good hire. Scott Johnson's quote is really good, "last frontier". What is USA Rugby paying him?
Saw that former US coach Eddie O'Sullivan got a great pay out.
Posted by: ERT | 01 April 2008 at 18:38
Lets hope that this reasonably high profile appointment is backed up with a meaningful program of matches.
Johnson will have some of the same handicaps that all Eagle coaches have; namely a relatively small number of top class players.
While this is a problem it can be made into a strength - developing a core of players that are focused on a common goal.
The World Cup demonstrated that the Eagles can compete at a reasonably high level.
It will be interesting to see what the man can do if he is given a regular match program - something that has been truly lacking to date.
I'm optimistic.
Posted by: doug lyons | 01 April 2008 at 18:55
Looks like Churchill Cup, 2 matches against European Professional Sides, a South American test, and a tour to Japan. Not a bad start this year wouldn't you say?
Posted by: Match Schedule Unofficial | 04 April 2008 at 07:04