Inside the Buffalo Bills’ Turbulent Week: Pegula’s Press Conference, McDermott’s Exit, and the Keon Coleman Controversy
Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula didn’t tiptoe around the headlines on Wednesday morning. In a press conference that was meant to explain the firing of head coach Sean McDermott, Pegula instead ignited a firestorm that’s now engulfing the franchise in even more questions-especially surrounding wide receiver Keon Coleman.
Let’s break this down.
Pegula Points Fingers Over Keon Coleman Pick
The biggest jaw-dropper came when Pegula interrupted a question directed at newly promoted President of Football Operations Brandon Beane to address the selection of Keon Coleman in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pegula placed the blame squarely on McDermott and his coaching staff for pushing to draft the Florida State wideout with the 33rd overall pick-a move that’s come under scrutiny after Coleman was benched during the 2025 season for repeated tardiness and called out by veteran lineman Dion Dawkins for needing to “grow up.”
Pegula said Beane was being a “team player” by going along with the coaching staff’s recommendation, even though Coleman wasn’t Beane’s top choice on the board. “He’s taken, for some reason, heat over it and not saying a word about it. I am here to tell you the true story,” Pegula added.
The issue? Coleman is still on the roster.
He’s midway through a four-year, $10 million rookie deal. And one of the coaches involved in that draft decision-Joe Brady, who served as offensive coordinator under McDermott-is now being interviewed for the head coaching job.
Beane Clarifies: “I Made the Pick”
Later in the press conference, Beane didn’t deflect responsibility. “I made the pick,” he said.
“Terry’s point was that we might have had a different order of personnel versus coaching, and I went that way. But ultimately, I'm not turning a pick for a player that I don't think we can succeed with.”
Beane also addressed Coleman’s maturity issues, noting they weren’t related to on-field performance. “He owns it. He doesn’t make excuses, which I appreciate.”
For context, Coleman wrapped up the 2025 season with 38 receptions, 404 yards, and four touchdowns in 13 games. Not eye-popping numbers, but not a bust either-especially for a second-rounder in his second year.
Still, Pegula’s public airing of internal draft room debates-especially about a young player still trying to find his footing-raised eyebrows across the league and among fans. The reaction was swift and, in many cases, critical.
Fallout from the McDermott Firing
Pegula also addressed the firing of Sean McDermott, a move that sent shockwaves through the locker room and fanbase alike. He made it clear that the decision wasn’t about McDermott’s overall body of work, but rather the Bills’ crushing 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos last weekend.
“If I can take you into that locker room, I felt we hit the proverbial playoff wall year after year,” Pegula said. “I just sensed, in that locker room, where do we go from here with what we have? And that was the basis of my decision.”
It’s a bold statement-one that leans more on gut feeling than long-term evaluation. McDermott led the Bills to consistent playoff appearances and helped stabilize a franchise that had been searching for direction for years. But after another postseason disappointment, Pegula decided the team needed a new voice.
Josh Allen’s Health and Role in the Coaching Search
While quarterback Josh Allen wasn’t consulted before McDermott was let go, Pegula said Allen will be part of the hiring process for the next head coach. That’s significant.
Allen is the face of the franchise and, as Pegula put it, “an MVP quarterback.” His input will matter.
Allen may also be facing offseason foot surgery after leaving the Denver game in tears. If he does go under the knife, the expectation is that he’ll be ready in time for OTAs.
Beane’s Promotion Raises Eyebrows
Alongside McDermott’s dismissal came another major front office shakeup: Brandon Beane’s promotion from general manager to President of Football Operations. The move hasn’t exactly been met with universal praise, especially given the team’s recent struggles to build a consistent receiving corps around Allen. Pegula, however, made it clear he believes in Beane’s vision and leadership.
“We are focused on bringing a Super Bowl to Buffalo,” Pegula said. “I am looking forward to having a successful coaching search.
I know this is a desirable job. Our phones are ringing.”
Coaching Search Underway
The Bills are casting a wide net in their search for McDermott’s replacement. Interviews are already lined up with several candidates, including former Giants head coach and ex-Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, current Bills OC Joe Brady, and others like Anthony Lynn, Anthony Weaver, Grant Udinski, and Lou Anarumo.
But the shadow of Pegula’s comments looms large. The public criticism of McDermott, the passing of blame for the Coleman pick, and the awkward situation of interviewing coaches tied to the very decisions Pegula just denounced-it all creates a sense of organizational disarray at a time when stability is needed most.
The Locker Room Reacts
Not everyone inside the building is staying quiet. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips voiced his displeasure with McDermott’s firing on social media. And while no players have publicly addressed the Coleman comments yet, the reaction from fans and former players has been loud and clear.
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel summed up the sentiment on social media: “The fact that Bills owner Terry Pegula is not only throwing massive shade at Sean McDermott but also at a player still on your roster is WILD.”
And fans echoed that frustration. One wrote, “Thoughts and prayers for Keon Coleman, man.
Can’t imagine how brutal it must be to hear your boss talk about you like that on national television.” Another added, “Passing blame on who drafted a player who’s still CURRENTLY on your roster is nasty work.
Keon Coleman doesn’t deserve that.”
Where Do the Bills Go From Here?
The Bills now enter one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. They have a franchise quarterback in his prime, a front office shakeup in progress, and a head coaching vacancy that needs to be filled quickly-and wisely.
But the biggest challenge might not be hiring the right coach or fixing the roster. It could be restoring trust and unity inside a locker room that just watched its owner publicly call out its former coach and a young player still trying to prove himself.
Buffalo’s playoff window is still open. But if this week showed us anything, it’s that the Bills need more than talent-they need alignment, leadership, and a clear direction forward.
And right now, that’s all up in the air.