Sean McDermott on Keon Coleman: Trust, Tough Love, and the Rookie’s Growth Curve
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott didn’t sugarcoat his evaluation of rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman - but make no mistake, his words came from a place of belief, not dismissal.
“He knows he’s got to be better,” McDermott said this week. “We’ve talked about it.
He’s aware of it. And I trust that he will be.”
That’s been the tone from McDermott all season when it comes to Coleman: a mix of accountability and confidence. The rookie has shown flashes - the stiff-arm that lit up social media in the wild-card win over Jacksonville being the latest - but consistency remains the next step in his development.
A Rookie Campaign of Highs, Lows, and Lessons
Coleman’s physical tools are undeniable. At 6-foot-4 with a powerful frame and strong hands, he’s built like a classic outside receiver.
And when he gets the ball in space, he’s not just looking to get out of bounds - he’s looking to punish defenders. Just ask Jaguars corner Jarrian Jones, who got a first-hand look at Coleman’s stiff-arm in Sunday’s playoff win.
But McDermott’s message is clear: highlight plays are great, but the Bills need more than just flashes. They need reliability. They need a receiver who can be counted on every down, in every situation.
That’s where McDermott’s trust comes in.
“I believe in Keon,” he said. “We drafted him for a reason.
He’s got the talent. Now it’s about continuing to grow and develop, especially in the little details.”
The Learning Curve in Buffalo’s Offense
Coleman’s rookie season has been a mix of promising moments and growing pains. He’s had to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses, while also learning to sync up with one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks in Josh Allen.
It’s not just about route running or catching passes - it’s about understanding coverages, adjusting on the fly, and earning trust in high-leverage moments. And in Buffalo’s offense, which demands precision and timing, that’s no small task for a rookie.
Still, the coaching staff continues to give Coleman opportunities, and that says plenty. He’s been active in key games, including the postseason, and the Bills are clearly invested in his development.
Injury Updates: Ed Oliver Working His Way Back
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver was back on the practice field Wednesday, albeit in a limited capacity. He wore a compression sleeve on his left leg and a brace on his left arm, participating in stretches alongside his teammates.
McDermott didn’t offer much in terms of specifics, but he did leave the door open for Oliver’s return in time for Saturday’s divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos.
“We’ll see how the week goes,” McDermott said. “He’s working hard to get back, and we’ll monitor it day by day.”
Oliver’s presence would be a major boost for a Bills defense that’s already stepped up in the postseason. Against Jacksonville, the unit delivered clutch stops and dominated the line of scrimmage - something they’ll need to replicate against a physical Broncos offense.
The Bigger Picture for Buffalo’s Young Core
Whether it’s Coleman on offense or Oliver on defense, the Bills are leaning on a mix of veterans and young talent to fuel this playoff run. And that’s by design. General manager Brandon Beane and the front office have built a roster that blends experience with upside - and now, in the most important stretch of the season, the spotlight is on the next generation to step up.
For Coleman, that means turning flashes into full games. For Oliver, it means getting healthy and returning to the disruptive form he’s shown all season.
And for McDermott, it means continuing to balance tough love with belief - pushing his young guys to grow while making it clear that they belong.
“He’s got the tools,” McDermott said of Coleman. “Now it’s about putting it all together. And I believe he will.”