Interview: Brian Hampton, SF 49ers on Competitive Edge through Football Analytics
We discuss the shortcomings of football analytics, how San Francisco 49ers use analytics, future of football analytics, advice and more.
In his current role, Hampton is responsible for contract negotiations, strategic planning & management of the club's player compensation budget and salary cap. Hampton also manages the football R&D efforts, providing frequent analysis on special projects for the owner, head coach, general manager & president.
First part of interview.
Here is second and last part of my interview with him:
Anmol Rajpurohit Q4. What are the current shortcomings of Football Analytics (i.e. situations where analytics cannot keep up with the decisions a Coach needs to make)?
AR: Q5. In terms of effectively utilizing Analytics, where do you see San Francisco 49ers as compared to other teams?
AR: Q6. Where do you see Football Analytics in the next 3-5 years?
BH: Player tracking information is the next frontier. Already quite a few teams have expanded their training staffs to make use of motion information and get the most out of each bit of energy on the practice field and in games. Big data companies are making pitches left and right to try and improve team processes but I see the player monitoring information having a bigger impact over the next few years. Game strategy and instruction remains largely up to the coaching staff but putting better athletes on the field is the arms race happening off screen.
AR: Q7. What is the best advice you have got in your career?
AR: Q8. What was the last book that you read and liked? What do you like to do when you are not working?
BH: The collection of books I intend to read
Before becoming a father a couple summers ago my main hobby was being a triathlete. I managed to accomplish a life goal of completing an ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run all in a row) and then traded in the training hours for time spent being dad. Taking the stroller and going running is probably my favorite activity these days.
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