Heading into Chicago Fire season 14, many characters’ fates are up in the air, including Christopher Herrmann’s, but a recent update confirms his (and one other important figure’s) future at Firehouse 51. The NBC procedural drama’s 2024–2025 season concluded with a sacrifice, a reunited love, an exonerated chief, and an exciting development in one fan-favorite couple’s story. Overall, the Chicago Fire season 13 finale should have been regarded as a happy, complete ending. However, when looking closer (and finding out behind-the-scenes information), it’s unclear what comes next for a handful of the show’s firefighters and paramedics.

Throughout season 13, Herrmann pursued a chief position within the Chicago Fire Department — preferably at Firehouse 51, of course. Wallace Boden had previously appointed Herrmann as his replacement during the Chicago Fire season 12 finale. But, since he didn’t have the credentials to become the fire station’s chief, the job was passed over to another candidate (Dom Pascal). Herrmann still studied for the appropriate tests that would allow him to hold the chief position. Unfortunately, his decision in the finale ended his chances of getting the promotion, and it even got him demoted, paving the way for Pascal’s return.

Dermot Mulroney Will Continue To Play Dom Pascal In Chicago Fire Season 14

Pascal Will Remain As Firehouse 51’s Chief

According to a report from Deadline, NBC has finalized deals with the leads of every One Chicago TV show to return for the upcoming 2025–2026 season. So, that means that Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal), along with Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide) and Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), will reprise their respective roles as the faces of Chicago Fire in season 14. Meanwhile, Jason Beghe is back as Hank Voight in Chicago PD season 13. And as for Chicago Med, S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin) and Oliver Platt (Dr. Daniel Charles) will continue starring in the series for its 11th season.

The deal between the network and the stars is big news, seeing as the One Chicago universe was at risk of losing cast members due to budget cuts. Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri had already been axed from Chicago Fire, and some feared that others would join them. Since Kinney and Mayo’s contracts had expired at the end of season 13 and Mulroney had initially only signed a one-year deal, their returns were up in the air. However, now we know that all three will return. Severide and Kidd will continue exploring their parenthood storyline, while Pascal will seemingly remain as Firehouse 51’s chief.

Pascal Staying At Firehouse 51 Means Herrmann’s Self-Imposed Demotion Will Stick

Herrmann Is No Longer Engine 51’s Lieutenant

Given that Dermot Mulroney will continue his role as a main character in the Chicago Fire cast, it appears that Herrmann’s demotion will carry over into season 14. He chose not to take the chief’s exam during season 13’s finale. Then, Herrmann stepped aside as Engine 51’s lieutenant so that Randall “Mouch” McHolland could take over. Herrmann and Mouch stuck by each other’s sides throughout season 13, supporting one another as they sought higher roles within the CFD. It was Mouch’s dream to become a lieutenant while also staying at Firehouse 51, and Herrmann wanted his friend to achieve that goal.

Since there could only be one lieutenant on Engine Company 51 and Herrmann didn’t want to be chief, he had to ask for a demotion in the Chicago Fire season 13 finale. He and Mouch couldn’t lead Engine 51 together. As a result, Herrmann stepped down without informing Mouch, who was quite surprised when his bosses told him about his promotion to lieutenant. Nevertheless, Mouch became Engine 51’s sole lieutenant at the end of Chicago Fire season 13, while Herrmann was merely one of his firefighters. This significant change will stick in the upcoming episodes of the NBC procedural drama series.

Can Herrmann Still Become Firehouse 51’s Chief In Chicago Fire?

Herrmann Has Options

Although Herrmann stopped pursuing the chief position in Chicago Fire season 13, that doesn’t mean he’ll never try again. But the odds are rather low, given the events of season 13. From the jump, Herrmann consistently seemed hesitant to accept Boden’s recommendation and take over as Firehouse 51’s chief. Then, in the end, he didn’t even take the chief’s test. Plus, it certainly doesn’t help that Herrmann doesn’t currently hold the lieutenant (or captain) rank. He’s simply a firefighter. Perhaps Herrmann’s demotion in season 14 will make him miss his former leadership position, though, convincing him to reconsider his decision.

Herrmann could sign up again to take the chief’s exam. If he passes, Herrmann could realistically serve as Firehouse 51’s leader, but that would mean that Pascal would have to be out of the picture. At first, Pascal brushed some Chicago Fire characters the wrong way. However, as time continued, the firefighters and paramedics warmed up to Pascal and developed a rapport with him. Consequently, it might be difficult for some people to say goodbye to Mulroney’s character. So, as far as season 14 goes, Pascal isn’t going anywhere, meaning Herrmann would have to wait if he wanted the promotion.