The general manager (GM) is typically the head of football operations, which includes leading the scouting department and being responsible for handling free agent transactions and contract negotiations with players and coaches.
The scouting department's role is to evaluate college football players entering the annual NFL draft.
[2] Many GMs begin their front office career as an assistant scout and are promoted into roles such as director of college scouting or vice president of player personnel before being GM.
[3] As with head coaches and some players, GMs are required by the NFL to attend press conferences with the media.
[3] Some Pro Football Hall of Fame general managers include Tex Schramm, Al Davis, Bill Polian, Ron Wolf, Bobby Beathard, Gil Brandt, and George Young.