New Buffalo Bills Head Coach Advocates For Keon Coleman

Orchard Park, N.Y.—Less than a week after being promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach, Joe Brady has already delivered a ringing endorsement to wide receiver Keon Coleman, the player at the center of an unexpected draft-day controversy.

Brady’s vote of confidence comes on the heels of remarks made last month by Bills owner Terry Pegula. During a press conference originally called to address the departure of former head coach Sean McDermott, Pegula volunteered that Coleman—selected 33rd overall in the 2024 draft—was “not originally the organization’s main choice,” adding that the pick had been driven by the previous coaching staff. The unsolicited commentary caught both the media and fan base off guard and raised questions about Coleman’s long-term future in Buffalo.

Coleman, who split his college career between Michigan and Florida State, flashed potential during his first two seasons with the Bills, recording several explosive receptions. Yet his production was modest early on, a trajectory some analysts attribute to the natural learning curve facing any young receiver transitioning to the NFL.

Speaking to NFL on ESPN this week, Brady sought to extinguish any lingering uncertainty. “I told Keon, ‘The best thing that’s ever going to happen to Keon Coleman is that I got named head football coach,’” Brady said, punctuating the statement with unmistakable enthusiasm. The declaration signals that Coleman will remain a featured piece of the offensive puzzle as the franchise pivots toward the 2026-27 campaign.

The timing of Brady’s remarks appears calculated to unify a locker room that spent the latter half of the offseason absorbing speculation about possible roster upheaval. Coleman has yet to speak publicly since Pegula’s press conference, but teammates privately say the receiver has maintained a business-first approach throughout the episode.

Buffalo’s front office, still guided by general manager Brandon Beane, has preached patience with homegrown talent since the franchise clawed out of a 17-year playoff drought. Brady’s ascension only reinforces that philosophy. By aligning himself so forcefully with Coleman, the 34-year-old head coach is betting that the wideout’s combination of size, route-running versatility, and red-zone instincts can blossom into the consistent playmaking the Bills have pursued in their quest for a first Super Bowl title.

Organizational sources indicate no trade discussions involving Coleman have taken place, and the new coaching staff plans to expand his route tree in the coming offseason program. If Brady’s endorsement translates to on-field production, the Bills believe they can finally move past a month of unwanted headlines and focus on closing the gap in an increasingly competitive AFC.

Buffalo opens its offseason workout schedule in March, giving Coleman his first opportunity to showcase the progress the new head coach insists is on the horizon.