The Winter Olympian, who represented Czechoslovakia at the Albertville 1992 Games and then Slovakia at Lillehammer 1994, has been selected by USA Nordic to replace Dave Jarrett.

Bayer will take the top job after most recently serving as USA Nordic's development team and Continental Cup coach.

He arrived in the US in 2000 and also boasts a number of years of experience as a club coach.

"I am excited to be in this position and looking forward to working with everyone to get them the best results," said Bayer.

It was announced in April that Jarrett would be stepping down after 15-years in charge.

The two-time Olympian departed to open a sports training centre in his hometown of Heber City in Utah.

The American team produced its best ever results during his tenure, including the country's first Olympic medals in Nordic Combined at Vancouver 2010.

The team won four medals in the Canadian city, including gold from Bill Demong in the large hill/10 kilometres event.  

Bryan Fletcher was the best performing American during the 2016-17 International Ski Federation Nordic Combined World Cup season.

He finished 34th in the overall standings.