Foster Andersen

Andersen, Foster (64) Lifetime Los Angeles resident and only man in city history to coach football at USC, UCLA and the Los Angeles Rams, died April 26 due to complications after a long illness.
Andersen attended and played football at UCLA after being recruited by legendary coach Red Sanders. He was an All-Pacific Coast league performer in football and played for the great John Wooden during summer league basketball. Following graduation he began his path to coaching working with the freshman team at his alma mater. He later coached at Pasadena City College before entering the Army. It was during his time stationed in Germany with the 39th Infantry, that he met his wife of 36 years, Beth Brodie. During two tours in Vietnam, where he was promoted to Captain, he received the Purple Heart, as well as the Combat Infantrymen's badge. He then returned to Los Angeles with his new wife and continued coaching, working again at Pasadena City College and then East L.A. College. A stint as assistant coach at Cal State Los Angeles led to his being named Head Football Coach. In 1974, Hall of Fame Football Coach, John McKay, hired him as offensive line coach at USC. The Trojans were national champions that season. In 1977 his alma mater came calling when Terry Donahue put together his first staff and hired Andersen as secondary coach working with All-American Kenny Easley. After one season he moved on to the Los Angeles Rams coaching an offensive line that included future Hall of Famers Jackie Slater and Tom Mack. In 1979 he returned to USC where he remained until 1986 coaching many great players, including All-Americans Ronnie Lott, Dennis Smith, Jack Del Rio, Duane Bickett and Tim McDonald. It was in the 90s that Foster, a true family man, had his most memorable times coaching his two sons' teams at L.A. Valley College and Cal State Northridge. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, sons Christian and Sean, daughter Kari, his mother Eleanor Andersen, four siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation held on Thursday, April 29, from 5-9 PM at Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary. Mass will be on Friday, April 30, at St. John Baptist De la Salle, 16555 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, CA 91344 at 10:30 AM. Burial at San Fernando Mission Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Purple Heart Association. Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary (818)361-7387