/ Football GM & Scouting Certificate Course

Turn Your Football Knowledge Into a Pro Front Office Career

Learn how to scout talent, build rosters, and analyze film like an NFL GM—with mentorship from real insiders

Whether you dream of working in the NFL, college football, the CFL, or the new UFL, this 8-week online course will teach you how to:

  • Evaluate talent like a pro scout
  • Break down film like a coach
  • Master roster construction and salary cap strategy
  • Prepare for the NFL Draft, free agency, and trade deadlines
  • Network your way into the football industry


You’ll learn directly from NFL insiders while building a professional-grade scouting portfolio you can showcase to teams, leagues, and decision-makers.

The Most Respected Football Scouting Course in the World

For over 20 years, SMWW's Football GM & Scouting Course has has helped aspiring professionals launch careers in:

  • All 32 NFL Teams
  • Power 5 NCAA programs
  • CFL, UFL, and international leagues
  • Pro scouting & analytics firms like PFF, Sports Info Solutions, Next Gen Stats, STATS LLC
  • Media outlets like ESPN, The Athletic, and Fox Sports


20+ Years • 1,000+ Alumni • Every Level of Football

NEXT START DATE: September 8

NEXT START DATE:
September 8

Weekly Live Interactive Zoom Chats With Russ Lande
TUESDAYS 6 pm PT 9 pm ET WEDNESDAYS 1 am GMT
Weekly Live Interactive Zoom Chats With Dane Vandernat & John Wooten
WEDNESDAYS 6 pm PT 9 pm ET THURSDAYS 1 am GMT
8-week online course
Access to SMWW network
Resume enhancement
Ongoing career advice
Class size limited to 25 students

Mentors

Chania

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Built By Football Executives — For the Next Generation of Football Executives
 

What You Will Learn

This isn’t theory. It’s hands-on, real-world front office training.

  • Pro scouting & player evaluation
  • Film breakdown with NFL techniques
  • Draft strategy & team-building
  • Roster & contract management
  • Personnel department structure
  • Career paths in NFL, NCAA, CFL , UFL & beyond

Meet Your Mentorship Team:

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook – NFL Agent & SMWW Founder
John Wooten – NFL Executive Legend, Chair Emeritus of Fritz Pollard Alliance
Dane Vandernat – CFL Director of Pro Scouting, Former Raiders Exec
Russ Lande – NFL/CFL Scout & Draft Analyst, Media Contributor

Course Format & Tools

  • 8-week online course
  • Weekly live Zoom chats
  • All materials and textbooks included
  • Scouting reports personally reviewed by NFL scouts
  • SMWW Certificate + optional university credit
  • Invitation to the SMWW Scouting Network
  • Eligible for the Football Apprenticeship Program


8 Week Scouting Curriculum Overview

This isn’t just theory. You’ll complete scouting reports that are personally reviewed by a veteran NFL scout—the same way pro departments evaluate incoming staff.

Week 1 – Football Front Office Fundamentals

Learn how NFL & NCAA scouting departments are structured, how pro and college scouting overlap, and what separates good evaluators from great ones.

Week 2 – Mastering the NFLPA CBA

Understand the rules that drive every roster decision: salary cap, rookie contracts, trades, IR, and the economics of building a team.

   
   

Week 3 – Scouting Offensive Skill Positions

Evaluate quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends using pro-level grading scales. Learn how to spot decision-making, instincts, and traits that translate.

Week 4 – Offensive Line Scouting & Positional Value

Break down OL technique: footwork, leverage, hand use, body control. Learn how to grade linemen for power vs zone schemes.

Week 5 – Defensive Schemes & System Fit

Know your fits. Learn how teams build defensive systems and why “scheme diversity” changes a player’s value. Study base alignments, coverage shells, and front mechanics.

Week 6 – DL & Edge Evaluation + Roster Construction

Scout pass rushers, 3-techs, run defenders and how they align with personnel groupings. Begin to build your own position group draft board.

Week 7 – Defensive Back & Linebacker Traits

Learn how to identify range, recognition, reaction time, route anticipation, and coverage versatility. Write full reports on key defensive playmakers.

Week 8 – General Manager Strategy & Draft Execution

Build your mock war room. Study how GMs build rosters, layer contracts, stack draft boards, and manage coaching staff alignment. Learn how to lead an organization.


What Makes This Course #1

20+ Year Track Record
The original online football scouting and front office course—established in 2003 and still leading the industry.

Taught by Active NFL & CFL Executives
Your instructors are current scouts, GMs, and player personnel directors—working in the game right now.

Live Weekly Zoom Mentorship
Engage directly with football executives and guest speakers from the NFL, CFL, and NCAA.

Hands-On Scouting Assignments
You’ll complete real scouting reports—personally reviewed and evaluated by veteran NFL scouts.

Alumni in Every NFL Team
Over 1,000 graduates now working across the NFL, CFL, Power 5 NCAA, and top media & data outlets.

Clear Career Path
Successful students gain access to the SMWW Scouting Network and may qualify for the Football Apprenticeship with in-person experience at events like the Senior Bowl & NFL Combine.

What Alumni Say

“I’m now working with the New York Giants as a Pro Scout. SMWW gave me the foundation.”
Patrick Hanscomb, NY Giants Pro Scout

“Thanks to this course, I became an analyst with Pro Football Focus.”
Josh Liskiewitz, PFF Analyst & SMWW Conference Speaker

“I learned more in this course than I did in 8 years in the NFL.”
Matt Brock, Former NFL Defensive End & SMWW Speaker

“I’m proud to represent the NFL internationally, but it all started with SMWW. They helped me get my foot in the door.”
Mark Dulgerian, NFL International Scout (Giants/Panthers) & SMWW Speaker Read Mark’s Story on ESPN

“I became the first woman to coach in the NFL. It started with SMWW.”
Jen Welter, former Arizona Cardinals Coach, Grrridiron Girls Founder, Motivational Speaker

“SMWW gave me the structure and connections to go from a high school coach to a camp manager for the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Danny Boguszewski, Youth Football Coach

“After SMWW, I got hired by the NFL to work with Next Gen Stats.”
Gary Frazier II, NFL Game Day QA Analyst

“I learned more than I imagined, made great contacts, and gained a true understanding of pro front office operations.”
Dan Moody, Former D1 Football Player

 

We've trained & placed talent at every level of football.

 

Who Should Enroll

  • Aspiring GMs, scouts, or personnel staff
  • Former players or coaches transitioning to front office roles
  • Agents who want to sharpen talent evaluation skills
  • Draft analysts, fantasy writers & football media professionals
  • Career changers ready to enter the football industry

Meet Your Course Mentors:

John Wooten

John Wooten

John Wooten – NFL Executive Legend & Diversity Trailblazer

When John Wooten speaks, the football world listens.

Nicknamed “The Godfather” of the NFL, Wooten has shaped the game from every angle—as a player, scout, agent, and front office executive. He’s a former personnel leader for the Cowboys, Eagles, and Ravens, and one of the most respected voices in football leadership.

As Chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, Wooten played a critical role in the creation and evolution of the Rooney Rule, opening doors for minority coaches and executives across the league.

“Respectfully, professionally, and affectionately, John Wooten is known as the Godfather, because of the breadth and depth of his service.”
Ray Anderson, Former NFL Executive VP

As a longtime mentor in the Football GM & Scouting Course, John Wooten brings unmatched wisdom, candor, and personal insight into the NFL’s highest levels. His name on your résumé—and in your weekly Zoom chat—is a career changer.

Dane Vandernat

Dane Vandernat – CFL Director of Pro Scouting, Former Raiders Exec

Dane Vandernat knows what teams are looking for—because he’s the one doing the looking.

Currently the Director of Pro Scouting for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), Dane previously served as Director of Player Personnel for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and spent nearly a decade in the Oakland Raiders’ front office. There, he rose from intern to Director of Pro Personnel, overseeing daily scouting operations and working closely with the GM.

Dane’s football journey includes:

  • Evaluating hundreds of free agents and draft prospects annually

  • Managing player grades, pro scouting departments, and databases

  • Direct NFL and CFL team consulting

He’s passionate about preparing the next generation of scouts. As your mentor, Dane will train you in the actual scouting methods used inside team facilities—ensuring you know what it takes to get hired.

Russ Lande

Russ Lande – NFL/CFL/XFL Scout & Media Analyst

With over 30 years in the scouting world, Russ Lande brings unmatched expertise in talent evaluation and draft strategy.

Russ began his football journey as an intern at UCLA before becoming a Scouting Administrator for the Rams, then a Midwest BLESTO Scout with the Cleveland Browns. He’s since worked with multiple CFL teams, consulted for NFL front offices, and remains active in XFL personnel evaluation.

Russ also bridges the gap between scouting and media:

  • Founder of GM Jr. Scouting

  • Draft analyst for Fox Sports, Sporting News, and The Athletic

  • Host of scouting shows and contributor to draft content on multiple platforms

Most importantly, Russ personally reviews and gives detailed feedback on every scouting report you submit during the course. You’ll leave this class with NFL-grade writing samples—and the ability to break down film like a pro.

Course Details

Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats: A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, live interactive Zoom video chats with fellow students, John Wooten, Russ Lande, Dane Vandernat, Dr. Lashbrook, and occasional guests. Get to know your Mentors and fellow students personally.

Online Education: You will enjoy the online discussion boards, weekly readings, weekly quizzes, course projects. All course materials and textbooks are included in the course fee.

Global Participation:  SMWW students participate from over 163 countries. Courses have an international influence and instructors will cater assignments to specific countries or leagues. Countries with economic challenges are eligible for economic discounts.

University Credit Available: For additional fees to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, you may receive graduate or undergraduate university credit for Sports Management Worldwide's courses. Click here for more information.

Optional NFL Combine & Senior Bowl Events: SMWW students & faculty are invited to the NFL Combine Career Conference in Indianapolis and the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. These events offer unmatched access to NFL executives, scouts, and agents. Students & Alumni are encouraged to attend to apply their skills, grow their network, and meet their mentors in person. All SMWW students and alumni always enjoy special pricing.

Football Front Office Advanced Certificate: Our Advanced Certificates have been hand-selected by our team of sports industry experts to put you on a path to success. These bundles of courses allow you to take advantage of our biggest discount and ensure you become an expert in that field.

Military Discount: For those individuals who represent their country in military service, (active, reserve, or retired) we offer a discount. Thank you for serving your country! For more information on the Military Discount Click Here.

Tax Write Off - (For USA Citizens): SMWW course tuition, books, and supplies can be used for education tax credits. Save your receipts and consult with your tax advisor on how this applies to you.

Apply Now
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THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $650

Or a single payment of $1,950

Includes all course textbooks and access to a web-based classroom. Shipping is additional.

PRICE IN  
APPROXIMATELY $1950

If we offer an economic discount in your country, it is included in the estimate above. Exact pricing including the discount is shown before you complete checkout. Payment plan options are provided during checkout.

PAYMENT METHODS:
Prerequisites: Must be 18 or older to participate and have a passion for sports.
CALL TODAY: 1-877-SMWW-NOW
(In the UK: 087 12884799)

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