Terry Pegula Reveals Coaches Advocated for Keon Coleman Selection
In a recent press conference, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula revealed that the team’s coaches were instrumental in the selection of wide receiver Keon Coleman during the 2024 NFL Draft. Pegula’s comments came in light of the firing of head coach Sean McDermott, where he defended general manager Brandon Beane’s role in the draft process.
Terry Pegula Discusses Keon Coleman’s Selection
Pegula noted that while Beane is the president of football operations, the decision to draft Coleman was heavily influenced by input from the coaching staff. “The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon,” Pegula stated, elaborating that Beane’s choice may not have been based on an initial preference but rather a collaborative effort. “Brandon was being a team player, taking the advice of his coaching staff,” he added.
Keon Coleman’s Performance Overview
- Drafted 33rd overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2024.
- Struggled through two seasons with inconsistent performance.
- Demonstrated limited success with 38 catches for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns across 13 games in the latest season.
- Disciplined by the team, resulting in four games as a healthy scratch.
- Failed to surpass 50 receiving yards in any game since the opener.
As Coleman’s role diminished, he landed as the sixth option among the team’s wide receivers by season’s end. Questions arose regarding whether Buffalo utilized him effectively within their offensive scheme.
Brandon Beane’s Clarification
During the same press conference, Beane sought to clarify Pegula’s remarks, emphasizing his responsibility in selecting Coleman. “I made the pick,” he reiterated. Beane acknowledged that the decision may have reflected a different evaluation between coaching and scouting perspectives. However, he expressed optimism regarding Coleman’s potential and emphasized the challenges were more about maturity than athletic ability. “Keon Coleman is a young player that has been here two years,” Beane stated, adding, “It’s up to us to work with him and develop him.”
Looking Ahead
As the Bills prepare for the future, the organization recognizes the need to bolster their wide receiver corps. Nevertheless, Beane remains steadfast in his belief in Coleman’s abilities. The team sees potential in refining and nurturing his skills as part of their long-term strategy.
Pegula addressed player reactions to recent coaching changes, indicating he was not aware of social media sentiments. “I made the decision, and it’s my decision,” he asserted, highlighting his commitment to the direction of the team.
