In a surprising heel turn during a press conference on Wednesday, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula hastily stepped in to defend general manager Brandon Beane amid questions about the team’s wide receiver struggles.
The highly-criticized comments occurred in the team’s end-of-season press conference which, in part, discussed the firing of head coach Sean McDermott. Pegula’s candid remarks shed light on the 2024 NFL Draft decision to select wide receiver Keon Coleman in the second round, revealing it as a point of internal discord rather than a unified choice.
Pegula interrupted Beane during the wide-ranging discussion, emphasizing that the coaching staff had strongly advocated for Coleman, the 33rd overall pick from Florida State.
“I’ll address the Keon situation. The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon. I’m not saying Brandon wouldn’t have drafted him, but Coleman wasn’t his next choice,” Pegula stated. He praised Beane for being a “team player” by heeding the coaches’ input, despite facing criticism for the pick’s underwhelming results.
Those words have sent shockwaves throughout the entire NFL community and beyond. Pegula’s defense of Beane appears aimed at quelling fan and media backlash, but it risks alienating current players, including Coleman himself, who is still on the roster.
As the Bills navigate this leadership shakeup, with Beane promoted to president of football operations, these revelations could impact team morale heading into the 2026 offseason.
The Decision to Draft Coleman
The 2024 NFL Draft saw the Bills trade out of the second round, landing Coleman at No. 33 overall after moving back from their original slot. At the time, the selection was viewed as a bold move to infuse youth and athleticism into the receiving room, especially after losing veterans like Stefon Diggs.
However, Pegula’s comments paint a different picture. The coaching staff, led by then-head coach McDermott, “felt strongly about the player” and pushed for the pick.
Beane, in his response, took ownership: “I made the pick. 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.”
This stunning admission highlights a collaborative, yet potentially contentious process, where Beane deferred to coaching input despite his preferences. Pegula noted that Beane has “taken heat over it, and not saying a word about it,” positioning the GM as a silent scapegoat until now.
The timing, post-McDermott’s firing, suggests an effort to redirect blame toward the departed coach and his staff. Analysts have pointed out that Coleman was selected over a talented receiver like Ladd McConkey, who has been thriving with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Coleman’s Rocky Start in Buffalo
Coleman’s tenure with the Bills has been marred by on- and off-field challenges. In his rookie year, injuries limited his impact to a 29-556-4 season, but expectations were high for 2025. Instead, this season was actually worse in terms of yardage, with him posting a 38-404-4 mark.
Beane addressed Coleman’s struggles candidly: “His issues have not been on the field. They’ve just been maturity things that he owns. I give him credit…He doesn’t make excuses, which I appreciate.”
The receiver faced discipline in November, resulting in a four-game healthy scratch. Despite these setbacks, Beane affirmed no intention to abandon the young talent, emphasizing development over quick fixes.
Coleman’s story reflects broader issues in player evaluation and integration. As a former star with impressive physical tools, standing 6’4″ with a 4.61 40-yard dash, his potential remains untapped.
Yet, the public revelation that he wasn’t Beane’s top choice could affect his confidence and relationship with the front office, especially as he enters a critical third season.
How the Bills Move Forward
Pegula’s press conference intervention has sparked widespread debate, with many users on social media giving the Bills hell for this one. And how can you argue with them? These words underscore potential erosion of locker room trust, as players might question leadership’s loyalty.
With Beane now overseeing football operations, the Bills face a pivotal offseason. The wide receiver room needs reinforcement, potentially through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.
Looking ahead, this saga could influence the new coaching search, with uncertainty in leadership stability possibly softening lines on Buffalo’s win totals or AFC East chances. For a team built around Allen, resolving these internal dynamics is crucial to ending their championship drought. As Pegula put it, he’s “here to tell you the true story.” But whether that fosters unity or further division remains to be seen.
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