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Interdisciplinary mechanical engineering education helps alum score a job with the Broncos

Scott Flaska (MechEngr’14) is one of the data masterminds behind Colorado’s favorite sports team.

As the director of football analytics for the Denver Broncos, Flaska’s job is to bridge the gap between data science and football operations. He leads a team of technology and research specialists that create statistical models to turn crucial decisions into game-winning results.

Scott Flaska (MechEngr’14) (Photo: Jesse Petersen/������ý����)

“We have really smart and talented people in the building,” said Flaska. “Coaches who are digging into the game plan, and scouts who are analyzing opponents’ strengths and weaknesses each week. Our goal is to use analytics to expedite those processes.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data science is among the fastest growing occupations, with a 36% increase projected over the next decade. Flaska said the professional sports ecosystem is fully embracing this change right before our eyes.

“We’re flooded with data now,” Flaska said. “Vendors and services like Pro Football��Focus or Next Gen Stats are tracking players all over the field with chips in their shoulder pads. We collect all that data and turn those metrics into useful tools for player evaluation, scouting, in-game decision-making, and even player health and safety.”

Flaska’s interest in data analysis started at CU ������ý����. Some of his early undergraduate courses and internships helped him realize just how powerful analytics can be when trying to make evidence-based decisions.

He also loves sports and grew up playing football. Every statistical model on the planet would say Flaska and the Broncos were a perfect match.

But how do you go from building drill-powered bicycles with your bare hands in a senior design course, to coding digital tools for an NFL team? According to Flaska, there was a little luck involved.

“After I graduated, I began working with one of the big aerospace companies right away. I was considering going back to get my master’s degree when I saw a job posting for a data analyst with the Broncos,” Flaska said. “I thought it was a one-in-a-million opportunity, and I decided to give it a shot.”

Using some fantasy football projection models he had been building for fun, Flaska reached out to the hiring manager and showcased��his work. To his surprise, he got an interview and was courted through a memorable��hiring process.

“For the final round, I had to put together a project and present it in front of the entire front office,” said Flaska. “I remember walking in and seeing John Elway, someone I grew up idolizing as a kid.

“It was an awesome experience, and I was over-the-moon elated when I got the job.”

Flaska said CU’s creative and interdisciplinary mechanical engineering curriculum helped��
him develop a diverse skill set and a knack��for design.

But there was one other thing that really��stuck with him: An environment of��friendly competition.

“We were always competing in our coursework. Bidding and competing for senior design projects. It’s super important because it’s something that can translate to other industries,” Flaska said. “Even right now, I am constantly looking for an edge. I want to be better than other data analysts for other��teams across the league. It’s stressful��to compete, but it was a great thing about��the department.”