Bills Owner Discusses McDermott Firing, Blames Coaches for Coleman Draft Decision

Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula recently discussed the surprising dismissal of head coach Sean McDermott and the decision to retain general manager Brandon Beane. The announcement came during a press conference where Pegula expressed his feelings regarding the team’s recent performance.

Pegula’s Reasons for Firing McDermott

Pegula stated that his decision was influenced by the Bills’ disappointing results, particularly a recent overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. During this match, a controversial referee decision played a significant role. The Broncos won after a walk-off field goal, following a disputed interception that denied the Bills a chance to win.

Painful Moments for Allen

Pegula noted that he felt the visible distress of quarterback Josh Allen, which influenced his choice. “I saw the pain in Josh’s face,” Pegula mentioned. He believes that the franchise has the potential for improvement and success in the future.

Controversial Calls and Team Performance

The Bills have struggled with postseason consistency in recent years, failing to reach the Super Bowl during Allen’s tenure. Pegula reflected on past disappointments, citing missed opportunities in critical playoff moments. “I felt like we hit the proverbial playoff wall,” he mused.

Coaching Input in Player Drafting

During the press conference, Pegula addressed the draft of wide receiver Keon Coleman. The Bills selected Coleman with the 33rd pick in the 2024 draft, a choice Pegula attributed to the coaching staff. He emphasized that Beane was not originally inclined towards this selection but was being a “team player.”

• Keon Coleman Drafted: 33rd Pick, 2024 NFL Draft
• Regular Season Record Under McDermott: 98-50 (2017-2025)
• Postseason Record: 8-8 During Same Span
• Coaching Search: Interested in Brian Daboll and Joe Brady

Future Direction for the Bills

Pegula mentioned that while he did not consult Allen before firing McDermott, he intends to involve the quarterback in the hiring process for the new head coach. This decision reflects his commitment to building a strong franchise capable of contending for the Super Bowl.

Moving forward, the Bills aim to address shortcomings and ensure that future decisions align with the team’s ultimate goal of championship success.