The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale delivered plenty of emotional twists, from sacrifices to surprise promotions. But few moments carried as much weight as Christopher Herrmann’s selfless decision to step back so his longtime friend, Randall “Mouch” McHolland, could finally achieve his dream of becoming a lieutenant. Now, with Season 14 on the horizon, fans finally have clarity about Herrmann’s future at Firehouse 51—and it comes with some big changes.

For much of Season 13, Herrmann was wrestling with his career path. After Wallace Boden recommended him as his successor in the Season 12 finale, Herrmann began preparing for the chief’s exam. But self-doubt and his lack of credentials meant the position ultimately went to Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney).

By the finale, Herrmann made a choice that shocked both his colleagues and fans: he stepped down as Engine 51’s lieutenant so Mouch could take over. It wasn’t a decision made lightly. Mouch had long dreamed of rising to lieutenant while remaining at Firehouse 51, and Herrmann wanted his friend to have that moment—even if it came at his own expense.

Herrmann’s bosses approved the switch, and Mouch was stunned to learn he had been promoted. Herrmann, meanwhile, returned to the ranks as a firefighter, surrendering the leadership position he had held for years.

Dom Pascal Is Staying as Chief

The future of Firehouse 51’s leadership seemed uncertain heading into Season 14. Mulroney initially signed a one-year deal to play Dom Pascal, and his return wasn’t guaranteed. But Deadline confirmed NBC has finalized new contracts with key One Chicago stars, including Mulroney, Taylor Kinney (Severide), and Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd).

That means Pascal is staying on as Firehouse 51’s chief—cementing Herrmann’s demotion as more than just a temporary shift. With Pascal holding onto the top job, Herrmann won’t be stepping into the role anytime soon, no matter how much Boden once believed in him.

Herrmann Is No Longer Engine 51’s Lieutenant

Herrmann’s sacrifice has real consequences. By stepping down, he effectively gave up his chance to remain a leader within the firehouse. Now, Mouch is Engine 51’s sole lieutenant, while Herrmann is “just one of the guys” again.

The dynamic between the two men will be one of the most intriguing elements heading into Season 14. Herrmann never told Mouch about his demotion ahead of time, leaving his friend blindsided when the promotion was announced. While Mouch is grateful, there’s bound to be emotional fallout as both men adjust to their new roles.

Will Mouch struggle with the responsibility of leadership? Will Herrmann regret his decision when he realizes how much he misses the authority and influence of being lieutenant? Those questions are sure to shape Herrmann’s arc going forward.

Can Herrmann Still Become Chief in the Future?

The big lingering question: is Herrmann’s leadership journey truly over?

Right now, the odds aren’t in his favor. He didn’t take the chief’s test, and his current rank as firefighter doesn’t position him well for upward mobility. But Chicago Fire has a history of unexpected twists, and Herrmann has never been one to back down when the firehouse needs him.

It’s possible that stepping away from leadership in Season 14 will give Herrmann time to reflect. If he realizes he misses being in charge, he could find himself drawn back toward the path of chief—or at least lieutenant again. For now, though, the show seems committed to letting Pascal steer Firehouse 51 while Herrmann takes a supporting role.

Why Herrmann’s Story Matters

Herrmann has always embodied the heart of Chicago Fire. He’s not flashy or reckless like some of his colleagues, but he’s steady, dependable, and fiercely loyal to the people he calls family. His decision to step down for Mouch is a perfect example of that loyalty.

At the same time, it also creates fertile ground for drama. Herrmann has always been proud of his work ethic and his leadership. Stripping that away puts him in unfamiliar territory—and could force him to reevaluate what he really wants from his career at the CFD.

What Fans Can Expect in Season 14

With Herrmann’s demotion confirmed and Pascal officially sticking around, Season 14 is poised to explore new dynamics inside Firehouse 51. Fans can expect:

• Mouch adjusting to leadership: Will he thrive as lieutenant, or feel overwhelmed?

• Herrmann finding his place: How will he handle taking orders from his best friend instead of giving them?

• Pascal’s influence as chief: His leadership style will continue to clash—or align—with the team in surprising ways.

• Family and firehouse bonds tested: Herrmann’s sacrifice will ripple across his relationships, both professional and personal.

The changes may sting for longtime fans, but they also open the door to fresh storytelling that keeps Chicago Fire exciting well into its 14th season.

Final Thoughts

Herrmann’s decision in the Season 13 finale was one of the most selfless acts in Chicago Fire history, but it has left him with an uncertain future. Season 14 will see him adjusting to life without his lieutenant’s badge, while Mouch steps into the role he always wanted. With Pascal confirmed as Firehouse 51’s chief, the road back to leadership looks rocky for Herrmann—but if there’s one thing fans know about him, it’s that he never stays down for long.