Chief Pascal Is Ghosting Firehouse 51: Dermot Mulroney to Go on Hiatus from ‘Chicago Fire’

Just as we were finally getting used to the brooding, "I-have-a-secret-family-in-Miami" energy of Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, NBC decides to pull the rug out from under us. In a move that has One Chicago fans clutching their oxygen masks, Dermot Mulroney is officially going on hiatus from Chicago Fire during the back half of Season 14.

While the show has survived plenty of cast shake-ups, honestly, the revolving door at Firehouse 51 spins faster than a ceiling fan, this one hits differently. Mulroney’s Pascal was the prickly remedy to the Boden-shaped hole in our hearts, and now we’re being left with a "To Be Continued" sign on his desk.

When Is the Last Time We’ll See Chief Pascal?

Mark your calendars for early March 2026. Mulroney is slated to stick around for the massive One Chicago crossover event airing Wednesday, March 4. According to production insiders, Episode 14 will serve as his temporary swan song.

The writers are leaning into the drama for his exit. Current storylines suggest Pascal’s ongoing battle with city budget cuts and a sudden, suspicious interest in a political run, will provide the narrative "out" for his character. Off-screen, the reality is a bit more Hollywood: Mulroney is busy juggling his schedule with the second season of Netflix’s The Hunting Wives. Apparently, one can only handle so much smoke and mirrors at once.

Enter the New Boss: Rob Morgan Joins the Fray

Because Firehouse 51 can’t go five minutes without a parental figure to rebel against, NBC has already cast a temporary replacement. Rob Morgan, of Daredevil and Mudbound fame is stepping in as Battalion Chief Hopkins.

Morgan is set to debut in Episode 16. If you thought Pascal was tough, Hopkins is described as a "hard-nosed traditionalist with a haunted past." Translation: Expect him to clash with Severide within the first ten minutes of his shift. Hopkins will hold down the fort for at least four episodes, including the Season 14 finale, while Pascal is off "finding himself" (or whatever politicians do).

Will Dermot Mulroney Return?

The good news? This isn't a permanent "written out in a tragic warehouse explosion" situation. The door remains wide open for Pascal to return, likely just in time to drop a bombshell in the season finale or kick off Season 15 with more of that signature Mulroney scowl.

For those of us at The TV Cave, the constant cast shuffling is starting to feel like a game of musical chairs where the prize is just more trauma. However, seeing Rob Morgan go toe-to-toe with the 51 veterans might be exactly the spark this season needs to stay hot.

What do you think, Chi-Hards? Is Pascal’s political pivot a stroke of genius or a bridge too far? Head over to The TV Cave to join the discussion and stay updated on all the latest Chicago Fire casting news.