Dan Campbell MCDC meaning: How 'Motor City Dan Campbell' became perfect coach for Lions

The Lions have assembled one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, building a stellar offensive line and finding dynamic weapons in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs while building up defensive depth over the last three years. Even so, it might be fair to say the face of the franchise isn't anyone on the field.

The Lions have come to embody the spirit of coach Dan Campbell, who set a standard for toughness on day one in Detroit and has molded the team in his image. 

Campbell isn't from Detroit, but he spent part of his playing career with the Lions and clearly has his finger on the pulse of the city. After the Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years, it certainly seems that Campbell's stay in the Motor City will be an extended one.

Here's what you need to know about Campbell's "MCDC" nickname and the meaning behind it. 

MORE: Inside Dan Campbell's locker room speech after historic Lions playoff win

Who is MCDC with Lions?

MCDC is none other than Dan Campbell himself. The nickname's exact origins aren't clear, but it was arguably popularized by "The Pat McAfee Show," which has praised Campbell's mentality since he was hired by the Lions.

"Motor City Dan Campbell" instantly grabbed attention with a fiery introductory press conference in 2021, which energized some fans but draw skepticism from others. After a going just 4-19-1 over his first 24 games, Campbell has posted a record of 21-7 since (including playoffs) and has the Lions somewhere they haven't been in more than three decades.

Despite his close connection with the city, Campbell isn't from Detroit. He grew up in Texas and spent his collegiate days at Texas A&M. He became familiar with Detroit when he spent three seasons with the Lions from 2006-08, and the franchise zeroed on him during its 2021 coaching search after Campbell spent five years working under Sean Payton in New Orleans.

MCDC meaning

MCDC stands for "Motor City Dan Campbell," a play on rock band AC/DC's name. Motor City is a well-known nickname for Detroit, referring to the city's roots in the auto industry, and Campbell's initials are DC. It is also a reference to Campbell's long, blonde hair when he played for the Lions in the early 2000s, resembling a rock star,

MORE: What does WCF stand for on Lions' jerseys?

Dan Campbell playing career picture

Listed at 6-5 and 265 pounds during his playing career, Campbell was built as a prototypical blocking tight end. That's exactly what he was, as the Texas A&M product only made an occasional impact as a pass-catcher but continued to get NFL opportunities because of what he could do as a blocker.

Here's a closer look at the receiving numbers Campbell did put up during his decade in the NFL.

Dan Campbell NFL stats