In rehab after cocaine video, ex-NFL coach feels 'blessed'

It took a lifetime to build up a resume that included 36 years as an assistant coach, including 25 in the National Football League.

It took one drug-induced video to expose his substance addiction that caused his firing.

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After completing a 60-day drug and alcohol treatment program and in the midst of a 24-day, inpatient rehabilitation program, Chris Foerster told NFL.com that his public downfall was "divine intervention" and that he hoped to coach football again in the future -- even if he never lands another NFL job.

"I was to the point where I was just praying to God, I want this stuff out," Foerster said to NFL.com by phone from a South Florida sober living facility. "Not like exposed, but I want this out of my life. I can't do this anymore. All this (stuff) I had going on outside of work, I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want to drink anymore. I don't want to use anymore. And sure enough, two weeks later, the video came out."

Foerster resigned from his offensive line coaching position with the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 9, the same day he checked into a rehab facility -- three days before his 56th birthday. The former nine-time NFL assistant was forced to step down following the release of an online video that showed Foerster snorting cocaine at the team's training facility.

Foerster, whose coaching career began in 1982 as a graduate assistant at Colorado State, said the video was filmed during a stretch when he used cocaine every day for eight or nine consecutive days.

"I was so messed up at the time," he said.

After being released from rehab on Dec. 8, he lives at a sober living center for outpatient care while receiving treatment three to four times per week.

"I've never felt better," he said. "I've never been happier. I've never been more clear. I've never been more open to whatever the possibilities are as I am right now today."

Once his program -- covering 24 days, not consecutively -- is complete, Foerster hopes to repair his private and professional life. He even hopes to work on the sideline again.

"Why do I want to coach again? Because I love coaching and helping players," he said. "Is that going to be on the high school level? The college level? Is it never going to be again? Then maybe it's never again. I had 25 years in the league and 10 in college. I've been blessed. I made a terrible mistake and I'm responsible for it, and I didn't go to treatment because I wanted to get my job back. I knew this (stuff) was out of control. It's been the most humbling experience. But it's what I needed."

--Field Level Media