Heading intoChicago Fireseason 14, many characters' fates are up in the air, includingChristopher 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,theChicago Fireseason 13 finaleshould 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.

According toNBC Insider,Chicago Fireseason 14,Chicago PDseason 13, andChicago Medseason 11 are set to premiere in the fall of 2025, with new episodes ofChicago Medairing at 8 pm ET, followed byChicago Fireat 9 pm ET andChicago PDat 10 pm ET on NBC. An exact premiere date is unknown as of the writing of this article.

Herrmann, Severide, and Pascal in Chicago Fire season 13

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 hisreplacement during theChicago Fireseason 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 fromDeadline, NBC has finalized deals with theleads of everyOne ChicagoTV show to returnfor the upcoming 2025–2026 season. So, that means thatDermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal), along with Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide) and Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), will reprise their respective rolesas the faces ofChicago Firein season 14. Meanwhile, Jason Beghe is back as Hank Voight inChicago PDseason 13. And as forChicago 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 astheOne Chicagouniverse was at risk of losing cast members due to budget cuts.Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri had already been axed fromChicago 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.

Chicago Fire Movie Poster

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 maincharacter in theChicago Firecast, 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.

Michael Bradway

Jack Damon

Sincethere 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 theChicago Fireseason 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 atthe end ofChicago Fireseason 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 inChicago Fireseason 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. PerhapsHerrmann’s demotion in season 14 will make him miss his former leadership position,though, convincing him to reconsider his decision.

Ultimately, the answer to whether Herrmann could still become Firehouse 51’s chief is quite nuanced.

Ultimately, the answer to whether Herrmann could still become Firehouse 51’s chief is quite nuanced.It won’t happen inChicago Fireseason 14because it has been confirmed that Mulroney will reprise his role as Pascal in the upcoming episodes. As a result, Herrmann wouldn’t be able to overthrow Pascal until season 15. For that to happen, NBC would have to renewtheOne ChicagoTV showsfor more seasons. Of course, this all depends on Herrmann wanting to become a chief. For now, Pascal is Firehouse 51’s chief, and Herrmann is a firefighter on Engine 51inChicagoFire.