In an unexpected move that has left many in the football world bewildered, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula held a press conference on Wednesday morning to address the dismissal of head coach Sean McDermott. Rather than providing clarity, Pegula’s remarks seemed to stir further turmoil within the franchise.

One of the most striking points made by Pegula was his criticism of McDermott and his coaching staff for their decision to draft wide receiver Keon Coleman as the 33rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Coleman, who faced disciplinary issues including being benched in the 2025 season for poor punctuality, was publicly admonished by teammate Dion Dawkins for needing to “grow up.”

During the conference, Pegula also justified the controversial decision to elevate Brandon Beane from general manager to President of Football Operations, coinciding with McDermott’s firing. This move has not sat well with the Bills’ loyal fanbase, sparking widespread backlash.

Pegula stated, “That was Brandon being a team player and taking the advice of his coaching staff who felt strongly about the player. 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.”

Adding to the intrigue, Coleman remains with the Bills, currently in the middle of a four-year contract valued at approximately $10 million. The situation takes another twist as Joe Brady, whom Pegula indirectly criticized, is under consideration for the head coach position. Brady previously served as offensive coordinator under McDermott, raising questions about the direction of the team’s leadership.

Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula went on the attack at a press conference on Wednesday

Pegula appeared to criticize the decision to draft Keon Coleman back in 2024

Beane added: ‘The No 1 that I always want to do with Josh Allen is protect him. We’ve had an offensive line that has gotten better and better. 

‘We’re not picking at the top (of the draft)… free agency, I’ve got to be able to afford them. I want No 1 receivers everywhere, I do. But there are teams with No 1 receivers who haven’t made it as far as we do.’

Pegula, 74, also said that the decision to fire McDermott was based solely on the 33-30 overtime defeat to Denver Broncos last Saturday, rather than his overall body of work as head coach.

‘I know we can do better and I know we will get better,’ Pegula said. ‘My decision to bring in a new coach was based on the results of our game in Denver.

‘If I can take you into that locker room, I felt we hit the proverbial playoff wall year after year. 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. I need to keep saying that, it was feeling the moment, being there.’ 

It also emerged that quarterback Josh Allen, who left the Broncos game in tears at the loss, may need surgery on his foot but if he does, he should be fine for OTAs later in the year.

Pegula added that he did not discuss his decision to fire McDermott with Allen before he made the move but said he will be involved in bringing in the new head coach.

‘We are focused on bringing a Super Bowl to Buffalo,’ Pegula said. ‘We have an MVP quarterback. I am looking forward to having a successful coaching search. I know this is a desirable job. Our phones are ringing.’ 

Bills quarterback Josh Allen was in tears after the loss to the Broncos on Saturday evening 

Brandon Beane’s promotion from GM to President of Football Operations has been questioned

But it was Pegula’s comments about Coleman that led to him receivng huge criticism.

‘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,’ former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel wrote on X.

One fan 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 said: ‘Dude Keon Coleman is still on the team, this is the quickest way to absolutely crush a young player’s confidence.’

A different fan posted: ‘Extremely disappointed with the way the Bills have handled this whole situation. Passing blame on who drafted a player who’s still CURRENTLY on your roster is nasty work. Keon Coleman doesn’t deserve that.’

The Bills are set to interview Brian Daboll, their former offensive coordinator who was fired as New York Giants head coach in November, this weekend. 

The organization are set to interview former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll 

Other names being interviewed aside from Daboll and Brady include Anthony Lynn, Anthony Weaver, Grant Udinski and Lou Anarumo.

When the news emerged on Monday that McDermott was fired, Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips publicly slammed the move on social media.

‘This s*** here is so stupid, honestly sickening. The best coach I’ve ever been around,’ Phillips wrote on Instagram.