Sir Clive Woodward says a fourth-place finish for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympic medal table would rival England's 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph.
Woodward will observe the British team at January's Youth Olympics
"It would mean as much if not more to me, yes," said Woodward, who is the British Olympic Association's new director of elite performance.
"I'm extremely proud of what everyone achieved but that's behind me now."
The 2012 Olympics are being staged in London, the third time the English capital has staged the Games.
The BOA's decision to appoint Woodward has generated some controversy, but he has promised not to tread on anyone's toes.
I am determined that I will not cause confusion to performance directors and I am not going to compete with them or UK Sport or cross over at all
"I fully understand I have to work through other people but even if I am only a very small part of a successful Games, that would be fantastic," he said.
"I am determined that I will not cause confusion to performance directors and I am not going to compete with them or UK Sport or cross over at all."
Woodward has already met performance directors from skiing, curling and wrestling. He will also spend a day with cycling's performance director next week.
"My skill is more related to the team sports but the core basics of training an elite athlete are the same for everyone," he said.
"If I can go out and help the newer sports, that would be great, but I think the job will develop over time."
Woodward will also play a key role at the British training camp ahead of the 2008 Games and will act as a trouble-shooter for the team when they compete in Beijing.
One of his first jobs will be to observe the British team at the Youth Olympics in Australia in January.