How to Become a Football Analyst: Online Course with Analytics Experts Aaron Schatz and Mike Tainer

How to Become a Football Analyst: Online Course with Analytics Experts Aaron Schatz and Mike Tainer
June 01, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the evolving world of football analytics with SMWW’s 8-week online Football Analytics course, led by Aaron Schatz—Chief Analytics Officer of FTN Network and the godfather of DVOA—and Mike Tanier, a sports writer and analytics expert for The Messenger. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and advanced knowledge needed to pursue a career in football analytics, data-driven decision-making, and performance evaluation. Whether you aim to work in the NFL, college football, media, or analytics consulting, this program provides the foundational expertise required to succeed in football’s analytics revolution.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Advanced Football Metrics: Master key statistics such as DVOA, EPA, success rate, and other metrics used by professionals to evaluate players and teams.

  • Data Analysis & Interpretation: Develop skills to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and generate actionable insights using real football data.

  • Visualization & Reporting: Learn to create compelling visual representations of data to communicate findings effectively to coaches, front offices, and media.

  • Football Strategy & Analytics: Understand how analytics influence game planning, roster decisions, and player evaluation in modern football.

  • Tools & Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and software used for football analytics and data management.

Why Learn from Aaron Schatz & Mike Tanier:

Aaron Schatz is recognized as the godfather of football analytics and the creator of the widely used DVOA metric. As FTN Network’s Chief Analytics Officer, he has shaped how teams and media evaluate performance through data. Aaron provides students with expert knowledge on football analytics models and real-world applications.

Mike Tanier brings expertise as a sports writer and analytics expert at The Messenger, combining deep football knowledge with the ability to translate complex data into accessible insights. His practical experience helps students bridge the gap between data and decision-making.

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring football analysts and data scientists

  • Coaches and personnel integrating analytics into their workflow

  • Sports journalists focusing on football analytics

  • Football fans interested in advanced statistics and performance metrics

Course Highlights:

  • Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Aaron Schatz and Mike Tainer, where you can ask questions and receive personalized feedback.

  • Hands-on Projects: Build a portfolio with real-world analytics projects and player evaluations using authentic football data.

  • Resume Enhancement: Access a resume redesign service tailored to football analytics careers.

  • SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW demonstrating your proficiency in football analytics, respected throughout the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into football analytics today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Football Analytics course page.