Dan Campbell Sets Sky-High Expectations for Jahmyr Gibbs Ahead of New Season

Lions head coach Dan Campbell will push running back Jahmyr Gibbs even more now that he has signed a contract extension.

Dan Campbell Sets Sky-High Expectations for Jahmyr Gibbs Ahead of New Season

Jahmyr Gibbs and Dan Campbell inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

Now that Jahmyr Gibbs has signed his new contract, Dan Campbell‘s expectations for the star Detroit Lions running back have increased. Campbell declared that he plans to push Gibbs even more in the upcoming NFL season.

In just three seasons, Gibbs managed to squeeze into the NFL’s elite running back group comprised of Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, James Cook, Jonathan Taylor, Bijan Robinson, and Christian McCaffrey. He earned three Pro Bowl invitations despite sharing the workload with veteran David Montgomery.

In the offseason, the Lions parted ways with Montgomery, signalling that Gibbs will be their number-one guy behind quarterback Jared Goff. They doubled down by picking up his fifth-year option.

Earlier in the week, the Lions finally agreed to a three-year $67.5 million deal with Jahmyr Gibbs. Per Spotrac, Gibbs is guaranteed $51.5 million and could earn up to $75.5 million, including incentives.

Media asked Lions head coach Dan Campbell about his expectations for Gibbs now that he has signed an extension.

We’re going to push him. We’re going to push him because we think this kid can be one of the best…. We’ve only scratched the surface of him.

Dan Campbell said, per The 33rd Team

The Lions drafted Gibbs 12th overall in 2023. Since then, he has played 49 games and has won a couple of NFC North crowns.

With Montgomery gone, the Lions brought in a capable backup, Isiah Pacheco. The former Rutgers man has won a couple of Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs and could be a valued member for the Lions.

Regardless, remains the No. 1 choice at RB for Campbell and the Lions.

[Jahmyr] does everything… he’s tough, he’ll protect, he’s smart, he’s versatile. He’s got vision as a runner… You can line him up at receiver, and we just started to teeter into that. There’s a ton of meat on the bone for this guy.

Dan Campbell told Stacey Dales and Brian Baldinger of the NFL Network
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Jahmyr Gibbs felt anxious leading up to the extension

Gibbs had to wait patiently for a couple of months after the Lions activated his fifth-year option. In the last two weeks leading up to the extension, the former Alabama man missed practice and had a minor hold-in.

Dan Campbell Sets Sky-High Expectations for Jahmyr Gibbs Ahead of New Season
Jahmyr Gibbs (Image via IMAGO)

Experts feared the negotiations might have soured the Gibbs’ relationship with the Lions. But Campbell dismissed those speculations by claiming that Gibbs had been nursing a minor back issue.

Another report suggested that the Lions were waiting on the Atlanta Falcons to pay Bijan Robinson before they could reset the running back market. A couple of days after Robinson signed his extension, the Lions brass made their move.

However, the waiting period made Gibbs very anxious and stressed.

Gibbs became the latest Lions player to sign an extension after Goff, linebacker Jack Campbell, tackle Penei Sewell, and wide receivers Amon Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

In 2025, Gibbs had 1800+ scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns. Goff threw for 4564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions; St. Brown had 1401 yards and 11 touchdowns, but the Lions won just 9 games and missed out on playoff qualification.

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