David Eigenberg Explains Why Herrmann Walked Away from Firehouse 51 Chief Role
Herrmann’s Surprising Choice
Fans of Chicago Fire were left surprised at the end of Season 13 when Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) revealed he didn’t want to take over as Firehouse 51’s battalion chief. The position had opened following Wallace Boden’s (Eamonn Walker) promotion, and even with Dermot Mulroney joining as Don Pascal, many expected Herrmann to ascend naturally.
Instead, Herrmann stepped back from the officer role entirely, leaving an open lieutenant position for Mouch (Christian Stolte). This unexpected decision immediately sparked questions among fans about his motivations.
Eigenberg Weighs In
Ahead of the Season 14 premiere on October 1, Eigenberg discussed Herrmann’s choice on the One Chicago Podcast, hosted by former Chicago police officer Brian Luce. The actor expressed appreciation for the character’s decision, noting that it “doesn’t look like [Herrmann] can pull off the whole chief thing.”
Eigenberg elaborated: “They were like, ‘You want to be chief on this?’ I was like, ‘Whatever you guys want.’ I’m a hired gun. I do what I do. I don’t have enough ego in the game probably in my life, but I love people. I love being around. I want to stay for as long as I can, so I enjoyed that kind of journey. Everything’s always about ascension.”
It’s About More Than Promotion
Eigenberg compared Herrmann’s choice to a concept from the book The Knockout Artist, which describes a boxer with a “glass chin”—someone inherently vulnerable despite skill and heart. “Sometimes you’re just born with a glass chin. It’s who you are. You can’t change that,” Eigenberg said. “You get knocked out real quick. It’s not because you’re not man enough or don’t have enough heart… I like seeing that sometimes it’s not always about the ascension and making it home. Sometimes it’s about just getting on with it. That’s what firefighters and PD are about.”
This perspective highlights that Herrmann’s decision was not a failure but a conscious choice to focus on what suited him and the people around him.
Behind the Scenes: Newman Explains
Showrunner Andrea Newman shared additional context with TV Insider, noting that multiple factors influenced Herrmann’s choice. Mouch’s return from injury and Pascal demonstrating the realities of being chief—often standing back rather than being hands-on—played a role.
“Boden had said, ‘You’re the one to take the throne,’ essentially. And that coming from Boden, who Herrmann worships, is heavy pressure,” Newman said. “Then you have Mouch, fully rejuvenated, saying, ‘I’m not going to be the couch guy anymore.’ Herrmann is caught between these pressures. He never stops to ask, ‘Do I want this?’ Pascal senses that from the start and tests him along the way.”
Newman explained that the storyline was designed to explore how external pressures, loyalty, and personal readiness intersect in high-stakes leadership roles.
Looking Ahead to Season 14
With Herrmann stepping back, Mouch now takes the reins, a shift that will bring new challenges to Firehouse 51. Newman teased that Mouch’s leadership will create friction and require Herrmann to navigate a different role under his former subordinate.
Eigenberg’s reflections also underline the core of Herrmann’s character: a dedicated, self-aware firefighter who prioritizes the team and his own limits over traditional notions of success. Fans can expect Season 14 to explore the dynamics of this transition, as Herrmann adapts to change while staying true to his values.
Conclusion
Herrmann’s decision not to become chief offers more than a plot twist—it’s a nuanced look at career, pressure, and personal choice in high-risk professions. Eigenberg and Newman’s insights give viewers a deeper understanding of why stepping back can sometimes be the bravest move, reminding audiences that leadership comes in many forms, not just in title or rank.