Why Dermot Mulroney Is Leaving ‘Chicago Fire’ in Season 15

The reason behind Dermot Mulroney’s departure from ‘Chicago Fire’ has sparked discussions among fans since the announcement. Mulroney, who portrays Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, will be exiting the series during Season 15, with his storyline concluding early in the season. This marks a swift farewell for a character who stepped into a significant role.

Joining the cast in Season 13, Mulroney took over as the station’s leader after Eamonn Walker’s Wallace Boden left following twelve seasons. So what led to Mulroney’s exit from Firehouse 51 after such a brief tenure? Here’s what we know from reports and what remains unclear.

The news broke quickly on Friday, July 31, 2026, just days after it was revealed that original cast member Joe Miñoso would also be leaving early in the new season. TVLine confirmed Mulroney’s exit, noting that Deadline was the first to report it.

So far, no one has indicated a behind-the-scenes dispute or contract issues. Mulroney’s representative did not respond to requests for comments when the news first emerged, and NBC has also chosen not to comment.

Mulroney himself provided the most straightforward explanation during a panel at Flashback Weekend in Chicago. He revealed that he will return for one episode, which he finished filming on July 28. He praised the show for crafting an incredible storyline for him, stating that his character is being written off.

It appears that this exit is primarily a narrative choice. In the Season 14 finale, Mulroney returned as Pascal, called in by the CFD higher-ups to influence Kelly Severide’s decision, but he was not officially back in the role. Reports indicate he will appear in one episode to resolve that cliffhanger.

Pascal’s exit had been foreshadowed. During the One Chicago crossover, he defied a federal agent’s orders during a house fire investigation, resulting in his arrest and subsequent firing for unbecoming conduct, which led to his hiatus.

This hiatus provided fans with early hints. Deadline reported that he would step away in the latter half of Season 14 and might return towards the season’s end. At that time, it was only labeled as a leave of absence, leaving the door open for his return. However, that door now seems to be closing permanently.

During his comments at Flashback Weekend, Mulroney expressed reluctance about leaving, fondly recalling the friendships he formed with the talented crew. He acknowledged that some cast members had been part of the show for fifteen years.

He also expressed pride in the challenging storyline he was given as an actor, marking his first experience working on a network television show with a full season of episodes.

Speculation surrounds his busy schedule as a potential reason for his exit. One outlet mentioned that Mulroney was involved in ‘The Hunting Wives,’ suggesting that his time away may have allowed him to pursue that project. Known for films like ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ and ‘The Wedding Date,’ there is no confirmation that scheduling conflicts influenced his decision.

Mulroney’s departure is part of a larger shake-up. Miñoso is also leaving after a few episodes, and a new showrunner, Victor Teran, is taking over from Andrea Newman. The Season 14 finale aired on May 13, concluding with Cruz and several firefighters trapped in a burning storage facility.

Newman had previously praised the character, describing Pascal as the father figure at 51, a role many believed would remain unfilled after Boden’s departure. This raises questions about who will occupy the chief’s office in the new season.

There is also new talent joining the cast. ‘All American’ alum Da’Vinchi will appear in Season 15 as firefighter candidate Marcus Burke, characterized as roguish and humorous. Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo are set to return after renegotiating their contracts, with Mayo warning that no one is safe.

The new season premieres on Wednesday, October 7, at 9 p.m. If Pascal’s farewell is as emotional as Mulroney’s comments suggest, do you think one episode will suffice for a proper send-off, or should the chief have exited with a more dramatic conclusion at Firehouse 51?