49′ers hire second offensive line coach

Posted by Kyle Stack on February 17th, 2008 filed in News

Perhaps two is better than one. That’s the philosophy the 49ers are taking as they hired former Ravens offensive line coach Chris Foerster as their offensive line co-coach on Friday, as reported by the the ContraCosta Times. George Warhop is already established in the organization as an offensive line coach, but the 49ers feel the position can welcome two coaches.

Foerster has coached for 16 years in the NFL, including stops at Minnesota (1993-95) and Miami (2004) as an offensive coordinator and Baltimore (2005-07) as an offensive line coach. Baltimore’s offensive line gave up a NFL-low 17 sacks in 2006.

The 49ers offensive line gave up 55 sacks last season and, according to Footballoutsiders.com, the 9ers’ adjusted sack rate was 10.3, a NFL-high. The adjusted sack rate takes into account intentional grounding, situation and opponents.

According to Niner Insider Kevin Lynch, there are many proposed moves on the 49ers offensive line.

Joe Staley, the latter of the 9er’s two first-round draft picks last year, might switch from right tackle to the left tackle. Right guard Justin Smiley is a free agent and left guard Larry Allen is expected to retire.

More 49ers news

I complained last week about NFLDraftBlitz.com projecting quarterback Chad Henne to the 49ers in the first round. That projection seems to be very much in the past as the site now chooses Oregon State guard Roy Schuening as the 49ers’ pick. Here is their explanation:

“Schuening had a great senior season and has continued to impress in the offseason. With Larry Allen talking retirement, the Niners are in need of help upfront. Schuening can step right in and provide production immediately.”

I like the idea of adding offensive line depth. Any pick that addresses a position other than quarterback is a good pick.