Jahmyr Gibbs emerged as one of the NFL’s most electrifying running backs last season, making a significant impact for the Detroit Lions. With his 2023 performance turning heads, the expectation for Gibbs’ unstoppable potential with Lions in 2025 is growing among coaches and fans alike.
At just 23 years old and entering his third year in the league, Gibbs is coming off a Pro Bowl season where he amassed 1,929 yards from scrimmage and scored 20 touchdowns. His youth combined with his breakout campaign has energized the Lions’ coaching staff about what he can achieve in the near future.
Lions’ New Running Backs Coach Committed to Maximizing Gibbs’ Talent
Tashard Choice, the Lions’ new running backs coach, is determined to push Gibbs to new heights. Having previously coached Gibbs at Georgia Tech between 2019 and 2021, Choice is already well familiar with his unique combination of athleticism and intelligence.
For him, the sky is the limit,
Choice said, per the Lions’ website.
I’m going to push him. I’m going to push him like no other. I have to.
Choice’s confidence in Gibbs comes not only from his physical skills but also from his mental acuity on the field. Gibbs is known for his football IQ, which sets him apart from many of his peers.
To see him progress, to see how smart he is — I tell him he’s one of the smartest running backs I’ve ever coached,
Choice remarked.
He’s just a natural football player … so having an opportunity to get around him now coaching, I’m going to be harder on him even more.
Early Career Success and What Lies Ahead for Gibbs
When the Detroit Lions chose Gibbs as the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, some questioned the decision to draft a running back so high. Those doubts quickly dissipated as Gibbs proved his worth by accumulating 1,261 total yards and 11 touchdowns in his rookie season, earning All-Rookie honors.
Having already established himself as one of the league’s top running backs, Gibbs appears poised to deliver an even bigger impact for the Motor City. With a dedicated coach pushing his limits and a proven record of performance, the Lions are hopeful that 2025 will be a defining season in Gibbs’ ascending career.