Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed this week that one of his top players could have an expanded role next season.
After a two-point winless season, the Lions took a disappointing 2025. Went 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. This will be an important offseason, and in an effort to get more out of his talented offense next season, Campbell has made some notable changes.
Offensive coordinator John Morton is out, being replaced by Drew Petzing. The Lions hired former New York Giants OC Mike Kafka as their new passing game coordinator, and added fan favorite lineman Dan Skipper as an offensive assistant. However, this may not be the only notable change to the offense in 2026.
"We didn't look at Jahmir Gibbs as a runner. He was a weapon," Campbell said in NFL meetings this week. [h/t Pro Football Talk]. "We felt like Gibbs, this guy is going to explode. Yes, he's a runner. He can run all schemes; he can run inside, outside, perimeter, but he can also be lethal out of the backfield, and we're not even there yet.
Jahmir Gibbs stats (2025): 243 rushes, 1,223 rushing yards, 77 catches, 616 receiving yards, 18 total TDs
He said, "We think this guy can play some receiver roles. He's dynamic, and he's a difference maker. Those don't come around very often."
Last season, Gibbs solidified his place as one of the best backs in the NFL, not just by posting 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He also had 77 catches for 616 yards and five more TDs. Right now it can be said that he is already a receiver.
However, it seems like Campbell wants to step aside and line up the three-time Pro Bowler as a wide receiver next season. Which will give the Detroit offense another look that is hard to match.
