The winds of change continue to sweep through Chicago Fire. With multiple cast shake-ups in Season 14, rumors are growing that Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) could be the next to leave Firehouse 51. And if that happens, the show may already have its ideal replacement — none other than veteran firefighter Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney).
Firehouse 51 Faces More Cuts
Chicago Fire Season 14 has been dominated by fallout from budget cuts and layoffs within the Chicago Fire Department. The premiere revealed the CFD pulling rigs and ambulances out of service, forcing the remaining firefighters — including Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) — to take on exhausting shifts.
Episode 3 raised the stakes even higher when Pascal learned from Annette Davis, the mayor’s chief of staff, that the department plans to fire six battalion chiefs. Although Davis reassured him that his job was safe, her personal interest in him could make that promise fragile.
When she asked Pascal out and he politely declined — still grieving his wife’s death from Season 13 — fans immediately began speculating that Davis might retaliate. If she’s the vindictive type, Pascal could quickly find himself at the top of the CFD’s layoff list.
“Chicago Fire wouldn’t introduce the firing of six chiefs without a reason,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “If Pascal rejected the mayor’s chief of staff, that’s going to come back to bite him.”
Severide Is the Natural Successor
If Pascal is indeed pushed out, Kelly Severide is the clear and natural successor. A founding member of Firehouse 51, Severide has proven his leadership, experience, and unbreakable loyalty time and time again.
Severide and Pascal initially clashed when the new chief arrived in Season 13, but their relationship has evolved into mutual respect. They’ve worked closely on several arson cases, and Pascal has often praised Severide’s instincts and field leadership.
“Severide has been around since the very beginning,” one insider noted. “He’s earned the right to lead. If anyone can carry the legacy of Firehouse 51 forward, it’s him.”
Of course, in the real world, Severide would need to take the chief’s exam — but Chicago Fire has never been one to let bureaucracy slow down great storytelling. Fans wouldn’t be surprised if the show fast-tracked the promotion to keep momentum strong.
Herrmann’s Turn for Redemption
If Severide were to step up as Firehouse 51’s new battalion chief, that would leave Squad 3 without a lieutenant — and that’s where Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) could finally find redemption.
After giving up his lieutenant position on Engine 51 for Mouch, Herrmann has struggled with his demotion and his place within the firehouse. Taking charge of Squad 3 could give him the leadership role he’s been yearning for, without the overwhelming responsibilities that come with being chief.
“Herrmann doesn’t want the paperwork,” a Chicago Fire producer joked. “He just wants to lead a crew again — and Squad 3 would be the perfect fit.”
This reshuffle would not only stabilize Firehouse 51 but also refresh the team dynamic, giving long-standing characters new challenges and emotional depth.
Will Pascal Really Be Fired?
As of now, Pascal’s future remains uncertain. While his compassion and professionalism have made him a strong addition to the firehouse, Chicago Fire has shown time and again that no one is safe when politics collide with public service.
If the mayor’s office decides to make an example out of someone — or if Annette Davis lets her bruised ego guide her decisions — Pascal could find himself facing an unexpected exit before the end of the season.
Whether or not that happens, one thing feels certain: Firehouse 51 is due for another major transformation, and the storylines already in motion suggest a power shift is on the horizon.
