After the emotional death of Leon Vance in NCIS Season 23, fans were left stunned — but Rocky Carroll isn’t gone for good.

CBS has confirmed that Carroll is returning, just not on screen. Instead, he’s stepping behind the camera to direct Season 23, Episode 16, titled “S.O.S.” — a role he’s taken on multiple times throughout the show’s run.

From Director Vance to Director’s Chair

Vance’s story may have come to a definitive end, but Carroll’s connection to NCIS continues. As a seasoned director on the series, his return signals continuity during a period of change, especially as the show continues evolving in the post-Mark Harmon era.

A New Case Packed With Mystery

The episode “S.O.S.” will center on a Navy lieutenant who reappears after vanishing under suspicious circumstances. As the team investigates, they uncover a crash that may not have been accidental, opening the door to unexpected twists and revelations.

While the episode won’t directly revisit Vance’s death, it promises the kind of suspense and layered storytelling fans expect.

A Changing NCIS Landscape

With Vance gone and potential shifts ahead for characters like Timothy McGee, the series is clearly entering a new phase. Carroll’s presence behind the scenes could play a key role in shaping that transition.

What Comes Next?

Carroll’s return as a director shows that even as NCIS says goodbye to key characters, it’s not done reinventing itself. His experience and vision may help guide the show through its next chapter — one filled with new leadership, evolving dynamics, and fresh storytelling.

For now, “S.O.S.” is shaping up to be a must-watch episode, proving that even off-screen, Rocky Carroll remains a vital part of the NCIS legacy.