NCIS Spoilers: Is Director Vance Finally Getting Ready To Retire, What We Know!

NCIS spoilers and updates reveal there’s “something in the water” when it comes to NCIS Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll)! Is Vance getting ready to retire?

NCIS IS Coming To The End Of An Era

NCIS marks the conclusion of an era that has lasted nearly twenty years. After a short break for the Thanksgiving holiday, CBS’ 2025-2026 TV season is now fully underway as shows quickly near the midseason point in their narratives.

For its leading procedural, the comeback story focuses on uncovering the tale of a NAVY Seal who survived captivity but might have committed a crime while returning to the country.

As one of the longest-running series on television, ranking just behind NBC and Wolf Entertainment’s Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU, the history of NCIS is extensive and profound.

The flagship show has given rise to several spinoffs, with three of them releasing new episodes this year — NCIS: Tony & Ziva, NCIS: Sydney, and NCIS: Origins.

There Were Some Declines In Ratings, And The Departure Of Some Longtime Cast

Despite a decline in ratings in recent years, along with the departure of some long-time cast members. For instance, Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs), the late David McCallum (Donald “Ducky Mallard), and Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop), the series remains one of the most-viewed police dramas on network television.

This week’s case is a classic mystery for MCRT-it’s a traditional Navy-themed case that will probably be a standalone story.

Honestly, it’s a nice change after a string of special episodes in NCIS season 23, which features its first crossover with NCIS: Origins and a clever return for Tim McGee’s (Sean Murray) Thom E. Gemcity.

Even though the case is straightforward, “God Only Knows” marks the beginning of the end for the procedural.

Vance’s Demeanor Change Hints He May Be Retiring

Hints of this were seen throughout the year, but it’s now clear in NCIS season 23, episode 7, when Vance interrupts Parker’s questioning of a chaplain.

During their tense exchange, the MCRT leader sarcastically echoes his boss’s recent management style: “Tread lightly, keep it low key. We don’t need bad press.”

This shift in Vance’s leadership was hinted at before NCIS season 23 started; he has usually been very supportive of the team’s work, with some guidance now and then.

While this could just be part of Vance’s story, Gary Cole (Agent Alden Parker) suggests that a larger change is on the horizon. “There’s a lot of conflict about who will hold power in certain agencies, whether agencies will change, and things like that,” the actor mentioned.

Vance Is Managing MCRT With A Firmer Grip

Vance’s attempt to manage MCRT with a firmer grip could be his strategy to keep them out of the change loop, allowing him to maintain his position at the top. Conversely, he might also be preparing the agency for an unavoidable transition in leadership.

Having spent nearly two decades at Navy Yard and an even longer time with NCIS, Vance has experienced a great deal, both personally and professionally.

He lost his wife in a tragic accident and faced a rift with his son (though they have since reconciled), yet he remains unwavering in his dedication to his work.

It Wouldn’t Be Surprising If Vance Is Thinking About Retiring

That being said, it wouldn’t be surprising if he is contemplating retirement after all these years.

Notably, NCIS season 22 hinted at Vance’s potential retirement when he openly shared with Parker that he had begun to consider how he would like to spend his time and with whom.

In the same episode, he developed a romantic relationship with Lena Paulsen (Marem Hassler),  the Deputy from Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND).

While there haven’t been significant updates regarding their relationship, it is reasonable to assume that it is becoming more serious. And that could mean Vance may want to retire to spend more time with her.

Vance Came On As Assistant NCIS Director

When Vance made his debut in the 14th episode of NCIS’s fifth season, titled “Internal Affairs,” he held the position of Assistant NCIS Director. He arrived at Navy Yard following the MCRT’s involvement in the investigation surrounding La Grenouille’s (Rene Benoit) death. FBI agent Tobias Fornell (Joe Spano)  began interrogating the team, with the then-NCIS Director emerging as the main suspect in the case. It was evident that Gibbs and Vance had significant disagreements on various matters, and after Jenny Shepard’s (Lauren Holly) death, Gibbs officially took over as Director, making their relationship a focal point of the series.

A Lot Has Changed For Vance And NCIS Since He First Arrived

A lot has changed for Vance and NCIS since then; he became part of the team, supporting them in all their efforts and acting as a voice of reason during personal issues. He guided MCRT through major changes, especially after Gibbs retired in NCIS season 21; losing him will be tough.

Depending on the writers’ approach, finding a replacement could lead to significant changes in the main NCIS team; this creates an interesting narrative opportunity for McGee’s dilemma.

Additionally, NCIS may also say goodbye to Rocky Carroll, adding more emotion to the situation. Besides being a fair and supportive director, he has directed several episodes-iIf Vance is really retiring, hopefully Carroll can still be involved in that capacity.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with NCIS right now. Come back here often for NCIS spoilers, news and updates.