Leon Vance’s dramatic exit in the milestone 500th episode of NCIS has left a leadership gap at the heart of the agency. As the team processes their loss, attention is quickly shifting toward who might step into the director’s chair next.
Rocky Carroll, who portrayed Vance for nearly two decades, believes Timothy McGee would be the ideal candidate. Once the youngest member of the team, McGee has grown into a seasoned investigator balancing career responsibilities with family life — qualities Vance himself valued.
Still, producers have hinted that nothing is guaranteed. With the franchise’s long history of cross-series connections, a familiar face from another NCIS branch could also step forward. For now, fans are watching closely as the future of the agency hangs in the balance.