Insiders reveal that Harmon didn’t want his departure to overshadow the series, so he worked closely with the writers to craft a storyline that would allow Gibbs to step away naturally. His decision wasn’t sudden—he had been gradually reducing his on-screen presence, allowing other characters to take center stage.
Now that the truth is out, fans are looking back at his final episodes with a new perspective. While Gibbs may no longer be leading the team, his impact on NCIS remains undeniable, and many still hold out hope that he could return for a special appearance in the future.