The 52-year-old Scot, who left his post as assistant manager at Rotherham on Monday, linked up with Villa boss Remi Garde on Tuesday and will start work with immediate effect.
In a club statement, Garde said: "I'm pleased to welcome Eric to the football club and I'm really looking forward to working with him.
"He will work alongside Reginald Ray, Robert Duverne and Tony Parks as part of my coaching staff.
"Eric brings a wealth of experience and excellent knowledge of English football and he will help me improve the level of the team."
Villa sit at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table with 13 points from their first 23 games of the campaign, but are unbeaten in their last three matches in the competition.
Source : PA
Source: PA