Heading into Chicago Fire season 14, the fate of several beloved characters is hanging in the balance, and perhaps no one embodies that uncertainty more than Christopher Herrmann. The NBC procedural left fans reeling after its season 13 finale, which packed in emotional goodbyes, shocking sacrifices, and a handful of promising new beginnings. On the surface, the finale appeared to tie up loose ends with a relatively hopeful tone, but digging deeper, questions about Herrmann’s career and the leadership dynamics at Firehouse 51 are far from resolved. For a show that thrives on the push and pull of family, loyalty, and duty, Herrmann’s shocking demotion and the rise of Dom Pascal as chief are setting the stage for one of the most dramatic power shifts the series has ever seen.

Herrmann’s arc throughout season 13 was a slow-burn struggle between ambition and loyalty. After Boden’s exit as chief, Herrmann became the natural choice to carry the torch, at least in spirit. Fans watched him wrestle with the prospect of moving into a leadership role that would redefine not only his career but also his place among the tight-knit group at Firehouse 51. While his lack of credentials was a stumbling block, he kept studying for the exams and trying to prove himself worthy. But the finale flipped expectations on their head—rather than pushing through and fighting for the top spot, Herrmann shockingly bowed out of the race. He refused to take the chief’s test and then went one step further, stepping down as lieutenant of Engine 51 in a move that stunned viewers and his crew alike. This wasn’t just a setback; it was a deliberate self-sabotage that spoke volumes about where Herrmann’s head and heart truly lie.

The fallout of this decision is all the more dramatic because of what it means for Mouch. Randall “Mouch” McHolland has long been the heart of Firehouse 51, the steady presence who often plays comic relief but also anchors the crew when things get rough. For years, his dream has been to serve as lieutenant, but the timing never worked out. That changed in season 13’s finale, when Herrmann quietly maneuvered himself out of the way to make room for Mouch’s promotion. It was a selfless act, rooted in friendship and loyalty, but it also carried an air of tragedy. Herrmann gave up his own authority without warning, blindsiding Mouch and raising questions about whether he’ll come to regret it. The weight of this moment will surely carry into season 14, where Mouch’s leadership will be tested and Herrmann may find himself struggling to adjust to life as “just one of the guys” again.

Complicating matters further is the confirmation that Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Dom Pascal isn’t going anywhere. When he first arrived at Firehouse 51, Pascal was seen as an outsider, a disruptor to the station’s carefully built hierarchy. Fans weren’t sure whether Mulroney’s role would be a long-term fixture or a temporary shake-up. Now, with news that NBC has finalized deals to keep Mulroney, Taylor Kinney, and Miranda Rae Mayo front and center in season 14, the writing is on the wall: Pascal is here to stay as chief. His presence ensures that Herrmann’s demotion isn’t just temporary—it’s official. The battle for leadership has already been fought, and Herrmann walked away from it. Firehouse 51 now belongs to Pascal, and whether or not the rest of the team accepts him as their permanent leader is one of the most tantalizing questions heading into the new season.

Still, one can’t help but wonder if this really is the end of Herrmann’s leadership journey. Chicago Fire has always thrived on redemption arcs, and Herrmann’s demotion could ultimately be the spark that reignites his drive. Right now, he’s a firefighter without rank, a veteran who willingly gave up his authority for the sake of his friend. But what happens when he begins to miss the responsibilities and influence that came with being lieutenant? Could his loyalty to Mouch and Pascal keep him sidelined, or will the itch to lead resurface at the worst possible moment, creating tension in the firehouse? Chicago Fire season 14 is poised to explore these questions with its signature mix of heart, intensity, and raw emotion, and fans know better than to assume Herrmann will remain in the shadows for long. For now, though, Pascal is the chief, Mouch is the lieutenant, and Herrmann is just another firefighter—a status quo that feels far too fragile to last.