Hamilton Tiger-Cats Director of Pro Scouting (CFL)
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Dane Vandernat is one of the most respected minds in professional football scouting and personnel management, with over a decade of NFL front office experience and a proven track record of developing the next generation of football executives.
Currently serving as the Director of Pro Scouting for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL, Dane oversees roster construction, player evaluations, and strategic acquisitions that shape the future of the franchise. Prior to joining the Tiger-Cats, he spent nearly 10 years with the Oakland Raiders, rising through the ranks from player personnel assistant to Director of Pro Personnel, where he managed day-to-day operations, evaluated talent across the NFL, and worked hand-in-hand with the general manager on roster decisions.
Dane’s career began with the NFLPA, where he gained invaluable experience in salary cap management and agent relations before moving into team scouting. His blend of legal, operational, and on-the-field expertise gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s football industry.
For the past three years, Dane has been a cornerstone mentor at SMWW, teaching both the Football GM & Scouting course and the Football Scouting Apprenticeship. Through these programs, he has personally guided hundreds of students worldwide, breaking down film, grading scouting reports, and showing exactly what NFL and CFL teams look for when evaluating talent. His mentorship has helped alumni land jobs across the NFL, NCAA, CFL, and beyond.
A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a master’s degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco, Dane combines academic knowledge with real-world expertise to prepare his students for careers at the highest levels of football.
Whether in the classroom or the front office, Dane is passionate about building teams — and building people. His ability to translate elite football operations into practical lessons has made him not only a leader in the game but also one of the most impactful teachers in the industry.
