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.

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.

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.

Ultimately, the answer to whether Herrmann could still become Firehouse 51’s chief is quite nuanced. It won’t happen in Chicago Fire season 14 because 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 renew the One Chicago TV shows for 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 51 in Chicago Fire.