San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Chris Foerster is temporarily leading the team as interim head coach while head coach Kyle Shanahan recovers from injuries sustained in a car accident. Foerster oversaw his first practice with Shanahan sidelined after the incident, which occurred near Shanahan's home in Northern California and resulted in a severe concussion and broken bones requiring hospitalization.
Foerster expressed deep gratitude for the support he received from the 49ers organization, particularly during a challenging period in his personal life nearly a decade ago. "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 Sunday. "That loyalty is never going to be forgotten."
His rise to this role comes after a significant public setback. In 2017, a video surfaced showing Foerster, then the offensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins, using a white powdery substance before a meeting. The clip was posted by an individual identified as his alleged mistress. At the time, the then-55-year-old was one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the NFL. He promptly resigned from his position and entered rehabilitation.
Foerster has been open about his past struggles, admitting to cocaine use for several consecutive days during that period of the Dolphins' season. The video emerged two weeks after his final reported use. It was Kyle Shanahan who offered Foerster a role as a consultant with the 49ers in 2019, an offer that was not officially announced. This move marked a turning point, with Shanahan extending a lifeline to Foerster.
Since joining the 49ers, Foerster has steadily progressed within the organization, moving from assistant offensive-line coach in 2020 to offensive-line coach in 2021. His current role as interim head coach highlights his journey from a public "castoff" to a key figure in the team's leadership.
Describing his reaction to Shanahan's accident, Foerster conveyed a strong personal connection. "I'm not gonna cry up here, but the thing is, the guy is family to me," Foerster said of Shanahan. "I've known Kyle for a long time. He's one of my best friends in the world. There's not many people that I call friend. But Kyle is one of them."
The relationship between Foerster and Shanahan predates their time with the 49ers. They previously worked together on staff in Washington from 2010 to 2013. Shanahan was seen on the field during the weekend, using sunglasses to conceal bruising from the accident. Linebacker Fred Warner lightheartedly commented, "I told him he had a great disguise with the sunglasses on."
As Shanahan focuses on his recovery, Foerster will continue to handle press conferences, making him a visible presence for the team in the coming weeks. The situation represents a significant opportunity for Foerster to lead, continuing the trust placed in him by Shanahan and the 49ers organization.