The San Francisco 49ers announced Friday the hiring of Chris Foerster as the team's offensive line coach. He will share the offensive line coaching duties with George Warhop.
In addition to hiring Foerster, the team also announced the signing of first-year punter Ricky Schmitt.
Foerster enters his 16th NFL season, having spent the past three years (2005-07) as the offensive line and assistant head coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Prior to joining the Ravens, Foerster served as the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins (2004), tight ends coach for the Indianapolis Colts (2002-03), offensive line coach for the Tampa Buccaneers (1996-2001) and offensive line and tight ends coach for the Minnesota Vikings (1993-95).
With a total of 26 years coaching experience, he also coached in the collegiate ranks, serving as the offensive line coach for the University of Minnesota (1992), assistant offensive line/special teams coach for Stanford (1988-91) and offensive line coach for Colorado State (1983-87).
Schmitt (6-2, 192), was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2007. He spent training camp with Arizona last year before being released during the final roster reductions. A graduate of Shepherd College, a Division II school in West Virginia, Schmitt set numerous records as both a punter and kicker.
