Football Analytics FAQ

 Will the Football Analytics Course help me get a job in football?

It will help you get a job in football. The key word here is help. For the entire eight week course you will be in a class speaking with Aaron Schatz, Football Outsiders Almanac Creator and ESPN Insider, and Steve Palazzolo, former Head of Product for PFF, Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW President and NFL Agent, and other participants who are interested in furthering their career in professional football. This is your opportunity to be mentored by those individuals who are highly regarded in the NFL. Each will lead discussions that will advance your career. You always hear, "it isn't what you know, it's who you know." Well, the Football Analytics Course will not only get the "who you know," but in addition the, "what you know!"

You will also be networking with fellow students who are interested in improving their knowledge of the business of football and scouting talent. More importantly, you will be learning techniques and strategies that NFL teams are currently using.

The course content includes cutting-edge theories on how to evaluate talent and study the game. The course will give you information that will make you an asset to any professional team. Will it directly get you the job? Talking the insider language and knowing the political game is going to be a huge asset, but you still must promote yourself. The knowledge you learn from the course and the contacts that you make might be the clincher to beating out your competition for the job!

 What kind of jobs will this help prepare me for?

  • Football Research and Development
  • Football Operations Assistant
  • Football Analyst
  • Football Blogger
  • Sports Journalist
  • Football Information Systems
  • Data Scientist
  • Research Analyst
  • Research Assistant
  • Analysis and Research Coordinator

 I am currently a football coach, how will this help me?

An understanding of scouting players from an NFL view. This course should enhance your ability to recruit quality athletes for your program at every level.

Do I really get to talk to Aaron Schatz and Mike Tanier weekly?

Throughout the eight-week course, Aaron and Mike will host a one-hour long video chat. This is an hour-long question and answer live video discussion with your fellow students. If you miss a chat they are archived, and you can listen when it is convenient for you. This revolutionary technology allows you the opportunity to get to know great NFL insider experience.

 Can I be the next Bill Parcells, Carmen Policy, Bill Belichick, or Nick Saban?

Maybe! The start of any great career begins with passion and being willing to work hard to achieve your goal. If you did not play college or pro football, but you have an intense desire to work within the industry, the Football Analytics Course could be the difference. Job experience and who you know is important.

If you want to enhance what you know and who you know this is a great place to start. If you need an internship at a professional team and are willing to start in the sales department, you should look into our Sports Sales and Marketing course.

 Is this considered a football analytics certification?

This course functions as a professional football analytics credential, providing structured training, instructor-led coursework, and applied analytics experience. Graduates earn a certificate of completion from Sports Management Worldwide, which can be included on resumes and LinkedIn profiles when pursuing football analytics or related roles.

 Do NFL and college teams actually use PFF data?

Yes. PFF data is widely used across the football industry, including by all 32 NFL teams, FBS college programs, and professional football organizations worldwide. In this course, students learn how PFF data fits into broader analytics workflows and how professionals interpret and apply it alongside other evaluation tools.

 Do I need a math, coding, or analytics background to take this course?

No advanced math or programming background is required. This course focuses on applied football analytics and decision-making, not complex coding. Students learn how to interpret metrics, evaluate performance, and think analytically about football in ways that are accessible to aspiring professionals from a variety of backgrounds.

 Who should take this Football Analytics course?

This course is ideal for individuals who want to work in football, including those pursuing careers in:

  • Football analytics and research
  • Scouting and personnel support roles
  • Football operations or front office paths
  • Media, content creation, fantasy, or sports analytics

It’s also well-suited for career changers and students looking to build credible, resume-ready football analytics skills.

 How is PFF Premium used during the course?

Students receive 6 months of PFF Premium access, starting at the beginning of the course. PFF is used during select assignments and projects to support analytics concepts taught throughout the program. Instruction on PFF usage is led by former PFF executive Steve Palazzolo, ensuring students learn how the platform is applied in real football environments.

 How else can I break into the football world?

If you are not in a situation to start your career over and want to learn more about the business of football and gain more contacts, check out the Athlete Management Course and consider representing NFL, AFL, and CFL players.

 Do you have more questions?

Call the office and ask! 1-877-SMWW-Now in the US or Canada. In London at +44(0) 871 288 4799 Everywhere else at +1-503-445-7105