Ep 3. The Gospel According to Mac

The Gospel According to Mac is an episode from the third season of ESPN's acclaimed documentary series 30 For 30. This episode explores the life and career of former college football coach and beloved personality, Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Bryant is a legendary figure in the world of college football, having coached at the University of Alabama for 25 years. During his tenure, he led the Crimson Tide to six national championships and became one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history.

However, The Gospel According to Mac takes a different approach to his story by focusing on one of his former players and assistant coaches, Wayne "Mac" Davis. Davis was a key member of Bryant's staff during the 1970s and was instrumental in recruiting some of the most talented players in the country to play at Alabama.

This episode takes a unique angle by exploring how Davis, an African American man from Arkansas, became one of Bryant's confidants and trusted colleagues during the height of the civil rights movement. Through interviews with Davis, his family, and other former Alabama players and coaches, the documentary reveals how Bryant's relationship with Davis influenced the coach's views on race and helped to shape his legacy.

The Gospel According to Mac also delves into the personal struggles that Davis faced during his time at Alabama. Despite his success on the football field, Davis often felt like an outsider in the predominantly white and conservative community of Tuscaloosa. The episode explores how he navigated the challenges of being a Black coach in the South and the toll that it took on his mental health.

Overall, The Gospel According to Mac is a fascinating look at one of the most iconic figures in college football history. By exploring the complex relationship between Bryant and Davis, the episode offers new insights into the coach's legacy and sheds light on the impact that race has had on the sport.