San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Chris Foerster has addressed his history of drug use as he assumes a larger role during training camp following an injury to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan sustained multiple injuries, including a broken nose, three broken ribs, a fractured hand, and a severe concussion, in a car accident on July 14.
Foerster, a longtime associate of Shanahan, will be managing training camp responsibilities with assistance from defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. He shared his personal journey of overcoming addiction, which came to public attention in 2017. At that time, a video surfaced showing Foerster using a white powder before a meeting with the Miami Dolphins, where he served as offensive line coach. The clip was posted online by an individual identified as his alleged mistress.
Following the emergence of the video, Foerster resigned from his position with the Dolphins and entered a rehabilitation program. He later disclosed to NFL Network that he had used cocaine for eight or nine consecutive days during that period of the 2017 season, two weeks prior to the video's release. At the time, he was one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the NFL.
Shanahan offered Foerster a consulting role with the 49ers in 2019. The two had previously worked together in Washington from 2010 to 2013, alongside Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay.
Foerster's career trajectory with the 49ers saw him progress from assistant offensive-line coach in 2020 to offensive-line coach in 2021, and now he is stepping up to cover for Shanahan. "This organization did some things for me and pulled me in at a time in my life when nobody would really want to be with me," Foerster said after his first practice in the expanded role. He also spoke of his close relationship with Shanahan, stating, "The guy is family to me. I've known Kyle for a long time. He's one of my best friends in the world."
Shanahan was released from the hospital the same day as the crash. Reports indicate that the other driver involved was not injured and that drugs or alcohol were not factors in the collision. While Shanahan has been seen observing practice as he recovers, he is reportedly still dealing with lingering effects from his concussion. Injuries sustained included significant facial lacerations requiring over 40 stitches, a broken nose, and a broken left hand. He was reportedly close to losing an eye due to the severity of the facial injuries.