1. Herrmann’s Tough Decision: A Demotion, Not a Promotion

In a pivotal moment in Chicago Fire season 13, Christopher Herrmann made the surprising decision to step back from his leadership ambitions, turning down the opportunity to become Captain. Instead, he accepted a demotion to make way for his friend Mouch to be promoted to Engine Lieutenant. While this may have seemed like a rational choice at the time, it raises larger questions about Herrmann’s future within the Firehouse and whether this decision could eventually come with tragic consequences for another key character.

2. The Struggles with Leadership: Herrmann’s Heart Lies in the Action

Herrmann’s decision to turn down the Captain’s position stems from his deep discomfort with leadership duties that keep him behind a desk. Throughout the 2025 One Chicago crossover, Herrmann’s desire to be “in the trenches” — actively involved in the frontline of firefighting — is made clear. He’s more at home when he’s working alongside his team in high-stakes situations, as demonstrated when he quickly jumped into action to assist Severide in a critical moment.

This decision to stay in a more active role, rather than taking the leadership position, ultimately makes his acceptance of the demotion feel more fitting. However, Herrmann’s relationship with Pascal — who currently occupies the Chief’s role — complicates the situation further.

3. The Dilemma: Can Herrmann Ever Become Chief Without Pascal’s Departure?

One of the most intriguing aspects of Herrmann’s potential promotion is how it would affect Chief Pascal. Chicago Fire has already established that Herrmann doesn’t want to step on Pascal’s toes, acknowledging that the Firehouse doesn’t need two supervising figures. However, for Herrmann to eventually rise to the role of Battalion Chief, Pascal would either need to step down or be removed in some way.

There’s a significant emotional hurdle to overcome, as Pascal has faced intense personal turmoil with the loss of his wife Monica. The show has already explored his struggles with grief and murder accusations, so his departure from the Firehouse would have to come with a dramatic catalyst. This suggests that Herrmann’s eventual promotion could come only at the expense of Pascal’s career or, perhaps more dramatically, his life.

4. The Emotional and Career Implications for Pascal

Pascal’s future on Chicago Fire is inextricably tied to Herrmann’s journey. If Herrmann is ever going to be promoted, it would require a significant shift in the Firehouse’s leadership, and Pascal’s exit would have to be handled carefully. Given the emotional weight of Pascal’s recent storyline, it would be difficult for him to simply retire peacefully after everything he has endured. If his exit were to happen, it would likely need to follow a significant, possibly tragic, event.

5. Will Herrmann Ever Become Chief?

For now, Herrmann’s demotion seems to stick, leaving fans to wonder if a future promotion could be possible. Chicago Fire has built a narrative where Herrmann is more concerned with the welfare of his team than his personal advancement, which makes his current position feel right. However, as One Chicago fans know all too well, things can change quickly in the world of emergency services.

While the window for Herrmann to become Chief hasn’t fully closed, it’s clear that Chicago Fire will need to approach this storyline delicately, especially considering the emotional and professional stakes involved for both Herrmann and Pascal. For now, fans holding out for Chief Herrmann will need to remain patient as the show navigates these complex dynamics.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead

With Herrmann’s decision to step away from the Captain’s role, Chicago Fire has set the stage for potential drama, tension, and character development. The next few seasons will be crucial in deciding whether Herrmann ever rises to the top or whether Pascal’s exit might be the ultimate catalyst for change. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the relationship between these two characters unfolds, especially with the looming question of who will lead Firehouse 51 in the future.