Crawford, 58, went 7-10-1 as coach of the Ottawa Senators this season after replacing Guy Boucher on March 1. The Senators hired D.J. Smith as coach May 23.
"Jeremy has an extremely bright and innovative mind and I am totally impressed by his presence and enthusiasm," Crawford said. "I know we will have a terrific relationship and my experience should benefit the entire coaching staff."
The rest of the Blackhawks' staff includes assistants Sheldon Brookbank and Tomas Mitell, goaltending coach Jimmy Waite and video coach Matt Meacham. Crawford's son, Dylan Crawford, is assistant video coach.
Crawford previously coached the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Stars. He won the Jack Adams Award with the Nordiques in 1995 and guided the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup in 1996. He is 556-431-79 with 103 ties in 1,169 NHL games.