Gilbert has a proven track record as a player and coach

The American, 44, who has worked with Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, will join Murray at next week's Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington.

LTA chief executive Roger Draper said: "Brad has a world-class track record.

"He will play a central role in helping us improve our performance and success, from elite players like Andy through to our up and coming talent."

Interview: Brad Gilbert

Interview: LTA chief executive Roger Draper

Draper stressed: "Brad will be fully focused on front-line coaching and is not a replacement for the position of performance director.

"As part of our new strategy for British tennis we want the best people in the world actually 'on the ground' helping create more tennis champions."

I am delighted to now have Brad as my coach Andy Murray

Gilbert, a former top-five player who won 20 singles titles, said: "I'm really looking forward to working with Andy - he is one of the most talented young players on the tour.

"I am also looking forward to working at the LTA, and it's great to see Roger Draper making changes for the benefit of British tennis."

Scot Murray said: "Back in April, I set a very high standard for what my next coach needed to have in terms of experience, and Brad meets all the requirements.

"While growing up, Agassi was one of the players I looked up to.

"He won several Grand Slams and reached number one in the world with Brad, so I am delighted to now have Brad as my coach.

"It's great to see that the new LTA are looking to bring in the best coaches in the world to help British tennis."

Murray, 19, has been without a coach since splitting with Mark Petchey last year, and his results this season have been patchy.

As well as coaching Murray, Gilbert will also work on other LTA programmes including leading junior tennis camps at under-12 and under-14 levels.

He will also work with the LTA's network of coaches and its high-performance clubs and academies.