Niners Bring in Ken Norton Jr. to Coach Inside Linebackers

Reuben Foster, meet Ken Norton Jr.Foster, the 49ers' standout rookie inside linebacker of this past season, will now be tutored by former 49ers' standout linebacker Norton. Norton, a longtime coach since his retirement from the Niners in 2000, has been announced as San Francisco's assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach.Norton most recently was defensive coordinator of the Oakland Raiders until his firing during the 2017 season. Before Oakland, Norton was linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks, working with current 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Norton also was an assistant coach at USC under Pete Carroll.Now, the 49ers are banking that Norton, who played seven seasons for the 49ers and went to two Pro Bowls and was first-team All-Pro with the team, can help Foster grow."Ken brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to our team having spent more than two decades as an NFL player and coach," said head coach Kyle Shanahan in a statement released by the team. "Throughout his coaching career, Ken has developed a tremendous understanding of our defensive system, making him a perfect fit for our staff."Saleh's defensive scheme is similar to the one used in...