Chris Foerster
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line, San Francisco 49ers (SF).
Quick Facts
- Role: Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line
- Team: San Francisco 49ers (SF)
- NFL experience: Not listed
- Reports to: Kyle Shanahan (Head Coach)
- Coaching tree: see Coaching Trees
Background
Chris Foerster is in 11th overall season with the 49ers and first as the team's assistant head coach/offensive line coach. He spent the previous three seasons (2022-24) as San Francisco's run game coordinator/offensive line coach after spending the 2021 season as offensive line coach. He also worked as the team's offensive line coach from 2008-09 and 2015. Foerster spent the 2020 season as the 49ers assistant offensive line coach after serving as a consultant with the 49ers for two seasons (2018-19).
In 2024, Foerster's offensive line helped the 49ers offense finish tied for second in yards per play (6.2), fourth in total yards (6,397), yards per game (376.3) and passing yards per game (249.1) and tied for sixth in yards per rush (4.7). Foerster also oversaw the development of rookie draft pick OL Dominick Puni, who was named to the Pro Football Writer's of America All-Rookie Team.
2026 Outlook
Elevated to handle significant head coach responsibilities during Kyle Shanahan's recovery from July 14 car crash injuries. Will manage on-field duties and coaching decisions during training camp while Shanahan participates on limited basis. Foerster's leadership experience as assistant HC combined with his familiarity with Shanahan's offensive system positions him to maintain continuity. Contingent on Shanahan's concussion recovery timeline—if injury sidelines Shanahan longer than expected, Foerster could assume interim HC duties beyond opening camp. (per 49ers: Kyle Shanahan recovering from car crash injuries; assistant takes lead at training camp - The Mercury News)
Shanahan expressed strong confidence in Foerster during their initial post-accident conversation, telling him: "You do whatever you want. I have a lot of confidence in you. You know how we do things. You do whatever you want to do, and if you don't want to do it, delegate it to somebody else... You do what you feel is right and lead that way." Foerster, who has worked with Shanahan for over a decade, considers the coach family and was visibly emotional about the accident, stating the organization "pulled me in at a time in my life when nobody would really want to be with me." His experience managing the 49ers' offensive line and run game, combined with the veteran roster, positions camp to proceed smoothly. (per Kyle Shanahan corrects car accident report, says crash was his fault. What we know - USA Today)