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Keon Coleman prepares for 2026 season amid ownership's public criticism

Jan 24, 2026, 12:24 AM20
(Update: Jan 24, 2026, 1:50 PM)
American football player
American businessman (born 1951)

Keon Coleman prepares for 2026 season amid ownership's public criticism

  • Terry Pegula criticized the coaching staff for selecting Keon Coleman in the NFL Draft.
  • Keon Coleman was initially surprised by the criticism but has not requested a trade.
  • Coleman is preparing for the 2026 season and focusing on his development with the Bills.
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In a recent press conference, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula criticized the coaching staff for selecting wide receiver Keon Coleman in the NFL Draft, placing blame on the fired coaches rather than on general manager Brandon Beane. Pegula stated that Coleman was not originally Beane’s choice and mentioned that the coaching staff had pushed hard for his selection. Upon hearing these comments, Coleman was reportedly taken aback but chose to dismiss the negativity and concentrate on preparing for the upcoming 2026 season. He has not requested a trade and has committed to developing his skills effectively. Both Pegula and Beane publicly addressed the situation surrounding Coleman, emphasizing the front office's intent to support him. Despite Pegula’s remarks suggesting that Coleman wasn't favored by the management, Beane affirmed that Coleman was indeed his pick in the draft and expressed confidence in his potential for development. Beane highlighted that Coleman has two years left on his contract, indicating the Bills’ expectation for him to mature and improve on the playing field. Coleman's journey has been challenging; he showed promise during his rookie season in 2024, catching 29 passes for 556 yards and four touchdowns. However, during his second season in 2025, his performance declined significantly, with a notable Week 1 showing overshadowed by a series of poor outings, and he ultimately was a healthy scratch in four games. This inconsistency raised concerns about his readiness to fulfill the expectations set by the franchise, leading to Pegula’s harsh commentary during the press conference. Despite the criticisms addressed by Pegula, Coleman remains focused on improving himself and contributing positively to the team. His response suggests resilience in the face of public scrutiny, as he engages in workouts and seeks to elevate his game. The Bills’ management, led by Beane, is aware of Coleman's issues and is prepared to invest time and resources to help him succeed, while also recognizing that ultimately his development is key for both Coleman's career and the team's future ambitions.

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