Jason Burgos
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed this week that one of his top players could have an expanded role next season.
After a pair of double-digit wins season, the Lions took a frustrating step back in 2025. Going 9-8 and falling short of reaching the playoffs for a third straight season. This will be a pivotal off-season, and in an effort to get more out of their talented offense next season, Campbell made some notable changes.
Offensive coordinator John Morton is out, and he is being replaced by Drew Petzing. The Lions also hired former New York Giants OC Mike Kafka to be their new passing game coordinator, and added fan favorite lineman Dan Skipper to be an offensive assistant. However, that may not be the only notable change to the offense in 2026.
“We didn’t view Jahmyr Gibbs as a runner. He was a weapon,” Campbell said at the NFL Meetings this week [h/t Pro Football Talk]. “We felt like Gibbs, this guy is gonna explode. Yes, he’s a runner. He can run all schemes; he can run inside, outside, the perimeters, but he also can be lethal out of the backfield, and we’re not even there yet.
Jahmyr Gibbs stats (2025): 243 rushes, 1,223 rushing yards, 77 catches, 616 receiving yards, 18 total TD
“We feel like this guy can play some receiver. He’s dynamic, and he’s a difference-maker. They don’t come around often,” he added.
Last season, Gibbs solidified his place as one of the best backs in the NFL, not just from posting 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He also reeled in 77 catches for 616 yards and five more TDs. It could be said right now that he is already a receiver.
However, it seems like Campbell wants to get the three-time Pro Bowler split out and lined up like a wide receiver a lot more next season. Which would give the Detroit offense another look that is tough to match up with.
