The Dawgfather: The Legacy of Don James (2024)

"The Dawgfather: The Legacy of Don James" tells the story of a humble man from a small town in Ohio, whose impact as a coach and mentor not only changed the landscape of college football but also created lasting change through the men he coached and the people he worked with during his 22-year career. This film is a captivating human interest story wrapped in the world of football. It delves into the values James acquired as a child and how he applied them to his coaching philosophy, passing on his wisdom to the coaches and players who admired him. One of the most profound lessons he imparted was the belief that "Your legacy is not what you do, but rather what you empower others to do." Coach James challenged his teams to look beyond the game, encouraging them to embrace integrity, character, and community service while emphasizing the power of a united family. As a result, his players have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, influential community leaders, and celebrated Hall of Fame coaches and players. Lifelong "James Gang" members like Nick Saban, Gary Pinkel, Joe Kelly, and Lincoln Kennedy credit the life lessons they learned from their coach for their achievements today. Don James truly is "The Dawgfather," leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched both on and off the football field.