By Moses Joshua 
Jahmyr Gibbs Draws High Praise—and Even Higher Expectations—from Detroit’s Coaching Staff
A Sky-High Ceiling for Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs is already one of the NFL’s most electrifying weapons—but according to Detroit Lions coaches, he’s just getting started.
After a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him rush for 1,400 yards and lead the league with 16 touchdowns, Gibbs has become a focal point in Detroit’s offensive identity. Now reunited with his former college coach, new Lions running backs coach Tashard Choice, the bar is being raised even higher.
“For him, the sky is the limit,” said Choice, who coached Gibbs during his early college days at Georgia Tech. “I’m going to push him like no other. I have to.”
Choice continued, “He’s one of the smartest running backs I’ve ever coached… He’s just a natural football player.”
That blend of high praise and intense coaching expectation signals one thing: Detroit is preparing Gibbs not just to improve—but to dominate.
From Dangerous to Unstoppable?
In 2024, Gibbs thrived in a split backfield with David Montgomery, forming a powerful one-two punch affectionately dubbed “Sonic and Knuckles” by fans. But Gibbs’ production in limited touches was almost unreal: 5.6 yards per carry, league-best rushing efficiency, and an average of just under 15 carries per game.
Imagine what he could do with more.
As the Lions enter 2025 with questions along the offensive line—due to the retirements of Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler—there’s some uncertainty around how the run game will hold up. Yet even with that disruption, Detroit’s coaching staff seems confident that Gibbs can shoulder more responsibility and evolve into a true workhorse back.
Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson may be gone, but new OC John Morton inherits a juggernaut of a running game—and one of the most dynamic backs in football. Morton’s history leans pass-heavy, but it’s hard to ignore what a weapon like Gibbs brings on the ground and through the air.
A Legitimate Offensive Player of the Year Contender
In a league where names like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry dominate the running back conversation, Gibbs is building a case to join the elite tier. If he sees a bump in workload and continues producing at his 2024 pace, the Offensive Player of the Year award is more than a possibility—it’s a real target.
He’ll have stiff competition, though. Barkley is coming off a monster 2,000-yard season behind Philadelphia’s powerful offensive line. Receivers like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase are always in the mix. But few players in the NFL combine efficiency, explosiveness, and versatility like Gibbs does.
Tashard Choice believes that 2025 could be Gibbs’ year to rise even higher. “I’m going to be harder on him even more,” Choice said. “Because I know what he’s capable of.”
Final Thoughts: Star Ascending
The Detroit Lions have found their offensive centerpiece—and they’re challenging him to become a legend. If Jahmyr Gibbs stays healthy and gets the touches his talent deserves, he won’t just be Detroit’s MVP. He could be one of the most dominant offensive forces in the entire league.
2025 may be the year Gibbs transforms from rising star into certified superstar. And if that happens, the rest of the NFL better be ready.