Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane addressed the media at the NFL Scouting Combine to discuss therecent firing of head coach Sean McDermott. During his session, Beane clarified that the choice to move on from the long-time coach came directly from team owner Terry Pegula. He explained that the organizational structure placed both him and McDermott on the same level of authority.
Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
“That decision was ultimately Terry Pegula’s. And his alone. The structure was Sean and I both separately report to (ownership) and we were equals in it. We had nine really good years together,” Beanesaid. His comments highlight that while the two leaders worked side by side for nearly a decade, the power to terminate the coaching contract rested solely with the owner.
Bills GM Brandon Beane on the firing of Sean McDermott
“That decision was ultimately Terry Pegula’s and his alone… I think he just felt like we need something new, we need something fresh.” pic.twitter.com/XZNLovQ99i
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 26, 2026
The Bills dismissed McDermott following a 33–30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. Despite winning five consecutive AFC East titles, the team struggled to reach the Super Bowl. Beane noted that the owner felt the franchise had reached a limit with the current staff.
“I think Terry, using his words, don’t quote me, but something like we hit a proverbial playoff wall. I think he felt like we need something new. We need something fresh, just need to try something else,” Beane stated.
Beane’s phrasing suggests a clear separation of responsibilities. He indicated that once the owner made his choice, the front office had to pivot quickly to find a replacement. “This was the decision he made and you follow along with it, ‘Alright, you’ve made this decision.’ Now we need to put our heads together and line up who are the best candidates,'” Beane added.
Following the dismissal, the Bills promoted Beane to President of Football Operations. He then led the search for a new head coach, which resulted in the team hiring former offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
McDermott finished his time in Buffalo with a 98–50 regular season record. While he was highly successful in the regular season, the “playoff wall” mentioned by Pegula proved to be the deciding factor in his exit. According to reports from The Athletic, Beane remains focused on building a roster that can finally move past the divisional round under new leadership.
Brandon Beane addresses Keon Coleman’s future and criticism
Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane spoke about Keon Coleman at the 2026 NFL Combine. He said the team still believes in the young wide receiver. However, Beane mentioned that Coleman must improve his maturity and behavior off the field.
The manager said Coleman will have every chance to succeed with the new coaches. He wants Coleman to work as hard as he did during the 2025 offseason. Beane noted that Coleman had an excellent training camp before he got distracted.
Coach Joe Brady and Josh Allen still support him. But Colemanwas benched twice last year for missing meetings. He must show better focus to stay with the team for a long time.