Matt Ploenzke is in his fifth season with the 49ers and his second as director, football R&D. In his role, Ploenzke oversees the research strategies for the department and advises on the methodological approaches undertaken. His primary responsibilities involve developing player valuation metrics using advanced statistical techniques and providing interpretations of these metrics to aid in roster acquisitions. Ploenzke joined the 49ers as a football data scientist in 2020 and spent two seasons (2020-21) in that role before being elevated to manager, football R&D in 2022 and director, football R&D in 2023.

Matt Ploenzke is in his fifth season with the 49ers and his second as director, football R&D. In his role, Ploenzke oversees the research strategies for the department and advises on the methodological approaches undertaken. His primary responsibilities involve developing player valuation metrics using advanced statistical techniques and providing interpretations of these metrics to aid in roster acquisitions. Ploenzke joined the 49ers as a football data scientist in 2020 and spent two seasons (2020-21) in that role before being elevated to manager, football R&D in 2022 and director, football R&D in 2023.

Prior to joining the 49ers, Ploenzke was head research analyst for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (2013-15) where he conducted econometric research and helped manage other departmental responsibilities. He also spent time working in the Office of Institutional Research at the University of Minnesota, Duluth (2010-13).

A native of Apple Valley, MN, Ploenzke completed his Ph.D. in biostatistics from Harvard University in 2020. He earned bachelor's degrees in statistics and economics from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, in 2012. Ploenzke currently resides in San Jose, CA, with his wife, Christine, daughter, Viola, and dog, Alligator.