Bills Owner Terry Pegula Throws Wide Receiver Keon Coleman Under the Bus
Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula publicly criticized second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman during a Wednesday press conference, deflecting blame for the controversial 2024 draft pick to the coaching staff rather than general manager Brandon Beane.
Pegula’s comments came in the wake of head coach Sean McDermott’s firing following the Bills’ playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, while Beane was retained and promoted to president of football operations.
Pegula Shifts Blame Away from GM Beane
“The coaching staff pushed to pick Keon,” Pegula said at the media gathering. “That was Brandon Beane being a team player and taking advice of his coaching staff who felt strongly about the player. He’s taken the heat over it, and not saying a word about it. I’m here to tell you the true story.”
Coleman, drafted 33rd overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, was expected to be a cornerstone piece of Buffalo’s receiving corps. Instead, the 24-year-old has struggled significantly, raising questions about whether the organization will attempt to trade him for a late-round pick before this year’s draft.
Coleman’s Inconsistent 2025 Season
In his second professional season, Coleman appeared in 13 games but was made inactive on four separate occasions due to performance concerns and disciplinary issues. The Florida State product finished with 38 receptions for 404 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging just 10.6 yards per catch—a notable decline from his rookie year.
Coleman also drew scrutiny for missing team meetings and was forced to sit out offensive drives for disciplinary reasons, including missing the opening drive against New England before losing a fumble in that game.
Complicating the Coaching Search
Pegula’s public criticism creates an awkward dynamic as the Bills search for their next head coach. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady is considered a leading candidate for the position, yet he was reportedly among the coaching staff members who advocated for Coleman’s selection in 2024.
Coleman still has two years remaining on his four-year rookie contract worth approximately $10 million, and with $9.6 million guaranteed, releasing him would be costly. However, the deteriorating relationship between ownership and the young receiver makes his long-term future in Buffalo uncertain.
The wide receiver is expected to have an uphill battle regaining the organization’s confidence this offseason.
