Football Player Development FAQ
Understanding Football Player Development
What is football player development?
Football player development is the process of taking any incoming player, whether an NFL rookie, an NCAA freshman, or an NFL veteran arriving through free agency, and molding and developing them into a player who fits the team's system.
What does player development actually mean day to day?
Player development is an advanced form of coaching that goes well beyond position drills or offensive and defensive schemes. It involves developing leadership skills, coachability, locker room management, and team culture. Football player development aims to improve the player not only on the field but also off of it, building on the drills and film sessions that already take place while going further to help integrate a player fully into the team.
What is a director of football player development?
The role is largely self explanatory. A director of football player development is responsible for laying out a development plan for the team as well as for individual athletes. Not all players can be coached the same way or developed on the same timeline, so it is important for the director to build individualized plans that account for each player's skill level and mindset.
Does the NFL hire player development personnel?
Yes. There are NFL jobs in player development as well as college football jobs in the same field. Recognizable names in the space include Doug Williams, who has served as a senior vice president of player development, Brian Decker, a director of player development in the NFL, and Marc Trestman, former head coach of the Chicago Bears. All of them are considered experts in football and player development.
Is there player development in college football?
Absolutely. College football player development jobs look a little different from their NFL counterparts, since not every college program has a formal player development title, but the underlying skills required to succeed in that kind of role remain the same. Learning those skills is critical for long term success in football at any level.
Who is Marc Trestman?
Marc Trestman is one of the most respected minds in football development. He has experience at every level of the game, from player to coach, and has coached in the NCAA, NFL, CFL, and XFL. He won three Grey Cups in the Canadian Football League and was twice named CFL Coach of the Year. Trestman served as head coach of the Chicago Bears and has coached for nine different NFL teams over the course of his career. He also teaches SMWW's Football Player Development Course, giving students direct access to decades of hands on experience in developing players at the highest level.
About the SMWW Football Player Development Course
Who is this course designed for?
The course is recommended for football scouts, coaches, and anyone who has worked or wants to work in high school, college, or professional coaching. It is built to teach the game through the eyes of a head coach, covering everything that happens between game days, from off season planning to game week practice.
What will I gain from taking this course?
Beyond the curriculum itself, students gain direct access to two coaches who have built winning cultures at the highest levels of football, along with a network of classmates who may include fellow coaches, scouts, and front office professionals. That combination of mentorship and networking is a large part of what has helped SMWW build a global alumni network of more than 30,000 graduates in 163 countries.
Does the course cover both the offensive and defensive sides of player development?
Yes. The course is built around organizational culture and coaching philosophy rather than a single scheme or position group, so the principles covered, including leadership development, locker room management, and individualized coaching plans, apply equally to offensive and defensive players throughout a football organization.
What if I need one-on-one assistance?
SMWW staff are available by phone throughout the course for one on one help with coursework, live sessions, or career questions. Call 1 877 SMWW NOW in the United States and Canada, +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or +1 503 445 7105 from anywhere else. Our offices are in Portland, Oregon, and London, England.
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