Bills Coach Stands By Controversial 2024 Draft Pick

New head coach Joe Brady defends selection of wide receiver Keon Coleman despite poor performance so far

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After the Buffalo Bills' controversial selection of wide receiver Keon Coleman in the 2024 NFL Draft, new head coach Joe Brady has publicly stood by the pick, saying he was one of the team's top supporters of drafting Coleman. Brady acknowledged that Coleman has struggled so far, but expressed continued belief in the young player's potential.

Why it matters

The Bills' decision to draft Coleman in the 2024 draft was heavily criticized, as he has yet to live up to expectations. Brady's public defense of the pick puts him at odds with many fans and media who have questioned the team's judgment. This highlights the challenges new coaches face in standing by unpopular decisions made by previous regimes.

The details

During a press conference on January 29th, Brady took responsibility for the Coleman selection, stating "I was one of the ones who stood on the table for Keon Coleman and I believe in Keon Coleman." Despite Coleman's poor performance so far, Brady expressed continued faith in the young receiver's potential and vowed to work with him to help him improve.

  • The Buffalo Bills drafted Keon Coleman in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The players

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who has publicly defended the team's controversial 2024 draft selection of wide receiver Keon Coleman.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Bills, who reportedly directed the team to select Keon Coleman in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Keon Coleman

A wide receiver drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2024, whose selection has been heavily criticized due to his poor performance so far in the NFL.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was one of the ones who stood on the table for Keon Coleman and I believe in Keon Coleman.”

— Joe Brady, Head Coach, Buffalo Bills (wn.com)

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges new coaches face in standing by unpopular decisions made by previous regimes. Brady's public defense of the Coleman pick puts him at odds with many fans and media who have criticized the team's judgment, but he is committed to working with the young receiver to help him improve.