Course Overview:

Step into the front office of professional football with SMWW’s 8-week online Football GM & Scouting course, led by Dane Vandernat—Director of Pro Personnel for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats—and Russ Lande, a former NFL scout and football analyst. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and insider knowledge needed to pursue a career in football scouting, player personnel, and general management. Whether you're aiming to work in the NFL, CFL, college football, or beyond, this program provides the foundational expertise required to break into the football operations side of the game.

What You’ll Learn:

• Scouting Fundamentals: Understand how to evaluate players at every position using NFL-caliber grading systems and techniques.

• Player Evaluation Tools: Learn how to analyze film, write professional scouting reports, and assess key intangibles like character, football IQ, and work ethic.

• Salary Cap & Roster Management: Gain insight into how general managers structure rosters and navigate the complexities of the salary cap.

• Draft Strategy & Process: Explore the full NFL Draft process—from player evaluation and draft boards to war room decision-making and strategy.

• Football Operations Structure: Learn how front offices are built and operated, including the collaboration between coaches, scouts, and personnel departments.

Why Learn from Dane Vandernat & Russ Lande:

Dane Vandernat brings years of experience working in NFL front offices, including serving as the Director of Pro Scouting for the Oakland Raiders. He now leads pro personnel for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL. Dane offers valuable insights into the daily operations of a front office, talent evaluation processes, and how personnel decisions are made at the professional level.

Russ Lande has worked as a scout for the Cleveland Browns and St. Louis Rams, and has contributed as a football analyst for FOX Sports and The Athletic. With extensive experience evaluating talent and building draft boards, Russ provides students with proven techniques and professional standards used by scouts across the NFL and collegiate ranks.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring general managers and pro/college scouts

• Coaches and players transitioning to front office roles

• Sports management professionals interested in football operations

• Football enthusiasts ready to pursue a career in the sport

Course Highlights:

• Live Mentorship: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Dane Vandernat and Russ Lande, where you can ask questions and receive direct feedback.

• Scouting Portfolio: Create a portfolio of scouting reports and evaluations based on real film and NFL grading practices.

• Resume Enhancement: Participate in a resume redesign service to tailor your experience for football industry careers.

• SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your knowledge in football operations and scouting, respected throughout the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into the business of football today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Football GM & Scouting course page.