Leroy Jethro Gibbs has always followed his own rules. When he left NCIS in Season 19, he made it clear that he had found peace in Alaska and wasn’t planning on returning. But history has shown that Gibbs is never truly gone—he has left before, only to come back when the stakes were too high to ignore. The question isn’t if he’ll return, but who could convince him. And all signs point to Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll).
Vance and Gibbs: A Relationship Built on Trust and Respect
Unlike Gibbs’ close mentorship with McGee or his complicated friendships with DiNozzo and Ziva, his relationship with NCIS Director Leon Vance has always been one of professional mutual respect. While they’ve had their differences, Vance has trusted Gibbs with critical operations and, at times, even his own life.
Vance is one of the few people who knows how to appeal to Gibbs’ sense of duty. He doesn’t use emotion or sentimentality—he presents cold, hard facts. And history suggests that when Vance calls, Gibbs listens.
When Has Vance Brought Gibbs Back Before?
Gibbs has “left” NCIS multiple times, but Vance has always played a role in pulling him back. Here are a few key instances:
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Season 3 – Gibbs’ First Departure
After the bombing that killed Agent Paula Cassidy, Gibbs resigned and moved to Mexico. It was Director Jenny Shepard at the time, but it was Vance who orchestrated Gibbs’ eventual return by keeping his spot open. -
Season 11 – Gibbs Needed for a Special Operation
Vance specifically requested Gibbs for a classified mission when the agency faced a major internal threat. This proved that Gibbs, no matter how much he tried to step back, was always needed. -
Season 16 – The Fallout from Ziva’s Return
When Ziva reappeared, Vance was the one who handled the classified information surrounding her return, and he worked with Gibbs to keep her safe.
How Could Vance Convince Gibbs to Return in Season 22?
There are several ways NCIS could justify Gibbs’ return through Vance:
- A Direct Appeal to Duty – If NCIS is dealing with an unprecedented threat (such as a terrorist attack or an international crisis), Vance could frame Gibbs’ return as a necessity rather than a favor.
- A Personal Request – If something happened to Vance—an assassination attempt, kidnapping, or political corruption—he could call Gibbs as his only trusted ally.
- A Legacy Mission – If NCIS uncovers a case that ties back to Gibbs’ past (such as an old enemy resurfacing), Vance could frame it as a way for Gibbs to finish what he started.
- The Death of a Former Team Member – If someone close to Gibbs, like Ducky or Fornell, were to die, Vance could ask Gibbs to help honor their legacy.
Why Vance is the Only One Who Can Truly Pull Gibbs Back
Unlike McGee, who appeals to Gibbs emotionally, or DiNozzo, who represents the past, Vance is the one character who can make Gibbs see the bigger picture. He’s the strategist, the diplomat, and the one man Gibbs respects enough to take orders from. If Vance makes the call, Gibbs will listen.
Final Thoughts
While fans might expect McGee or Ziva to be the ones to bring Gibbs back, NCIS history suggests otherwise. If there’s one person who can make it happen, it’s Director Leon Vance. The only question now is—what will it take?
