Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is undergoing mentorship with former Bills star Stevie Johnson to prepare for what Coleman describes as a “make or break” 2026 season. Following a 2025 season marked by disciplinary benchings and public criticism from owner Terry Pegula, Coleman is focusing on professional conduct and improving his weekly production for quarterback Josh Allen.
Why is Keon Coleman working with Stevie Johnson?
Former Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson reached out to Coleman following the conclusion of a difficult 2025 campaign. Johnson told One Bills Drive that Coleman has proven to be “the opposite” of his initial expectations, describing the 2024 second-round pick as a “masterful student.”
The training focuses on two primary areas: professional conduct and tactical execution. According to Johnson, Coleman is working to understand how to carry himself professionally while learning how to provide quarterback Josh Allen with exactly what is required on a weekly basis.
>“He can be the best,” Johnson told One Bills Drive. “He can be considered one of the best because he has every tool. He’s got the height, he’s got the size, he’s got the speed. He’s got it so much to the point where people kind of overlook it now. They’ve seen all of the great traits. They just want to see it always on Sunday. And that’s pretty much what we worked on. How to make it show on Sunday.”
Johnson noted that Coleman’s ability to absorb instruction gives him confidence that the wide receiver will eventually integrate his physical tools into consistent Sunday performances. Johnson also highlighted Coleman’s maturity, noting that the player refrained from angry responses to criticism during the previous season.
What led to Keon Coleman’s struggles in 2025?
Coleman’s 2025 season was defined by inconsistency and disciplinary issues. The wide receiver faced periods on the bench due to disciplinary reasons, which hindered his ability to establish rhythm within the offense.
The scrutiny extended to the team’s ownership. Following the firing of head coach Sean McDermott, Bills owner Terry Pegula singled out Coleman’s failure to “blossom” during a press conference. This public critique added significant pressure to the young receiver as he entered the off-season.
How do the Buffalo Bills view Coleman’s future?
Despite the public criticism from ownership, the Bills have expressed confidence in Coleman.
| Source/Entity | Perspective on Keon Coleman |
|---|---|
| Terry Pegula (Owner) | Criticized his failure to blossom in 2025. |
| Stevie Johnson (Mentor) | Calls him a “masterful student” with elite tools. |
| Bills | Expresses confidence in him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is mentoring Keon Coleman? Former Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson is currently working with Coleman on professionalism and game-day execution.
- Why was Keon Coleman benched in 2025? Coleman faced benchings during the 2025 season due to disciplinary reasons.
- What is Keon Coleman’s draft pedigree? He was selected by the Buffalo Bills as a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
What do you think about the Bills’ decision to lean on veteran mentorship for their young talent? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more Buffalo Bills updates.
