Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks shared thoughtful insight into a turbulent week for the franchise during an appearance on Good Morning Football with Kyle Brandt and Mike Garafolo. What began as a heartbreaking playoff exit quickly spiraled into organizational upheaval. On Sunday, the Bills lost to the Denver Broncos in overtime in the Divisional Round. By Monday, head coach Sean McDermott had been fired. For Cooks, who joined the team late in the season, the rapid sequence of events highlighted both the emotional weight of the loss and the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future.
Controversial Non-Catch Fallout And Sudden Coaching Change Rock Bills Locker Room
The playoff defeat was defined by a highly debated moment involving Cooks. Late in the game, he appeared to catch a pass from quarterback Josh Allen that would have set up a potential game-winning scenario. Officials ruled the play incomplete, igniting widespread controversy. Cooks remained firm in his belief that the play should have gone Buffalo’s way. “At the end of the day, it was a catch,” he said.
Despite his confidence, Cooks admitted the moment lingered with him personally. He said he felt as though he let Allen down in a critical situation, even while believing the ruling was incorrect. The emotional toll of the loss was significant, especially given what followed shortly after.
Brandin Cooks Opens Up on Playoff Heartbreak, McDermott Firing, and the Bills’ Uncertain Future Cooks revealed that he learned about McDermott’s firing through social media, underscoring how sudden the decision felt within the locker room. The move shocked many around the league, particularly because it came immediately after another deep playoff run. While team leadership later cited postseason shortcomings as a reason for the decision, Cooks’ reaction reflected the confusion and instability players experienced at the moment.
For a veteran who had only been with the Bills for a few months, the coaching change reinforced how quickly circumstances can shift in the NFL, regardless of prior success.
Brandin Cooks Defends Keon Coleman While Addressing Trust, Development, and Buffalo’s Future
Another major topic during the interview was the situation surrounding wide receiver Keon Coleman. During a news conference, Bills owner Terry Pegula stated that the former coaching staff had pushed for Coleman to be drafted, comments that some interpreted as deflecting blame for the receiver’s uneven development. When asked whether such remarks might push Coleman to seek a trade, Cooks offered a candid player’s perspective.
He explained that hearing comments like that can cause a player to question whether they are truly wanted by the organization. At the same time, Cooks noted that those moments can also become motivation if the team communicates continued belief and support. In that case, doubt can be transformed into determination.
Cooks signed with Buffalo on Nov. 25 to strengthen a struggling wide receiver room, partially due to the team’s lack of confidence in Coleman. Still, he never viewed his presence as competition alone. Instead, he made a point to mentor Coleman, whom he believes has been misunderstood.
Cooks praised Coleman’s raw talent and growth, noting that the young receiver had a strong training camp and an encouraging Week 1 before his performance declined. He emphasized that Coleman is still learning how to be a professional and adjust to the league. Over the months they spent together, Cooks said he saw clear improvement, particularly in Coleman’s work habits and preparation.
With the Bills now searching for a new head coach, many questions remain about the team’s direction and whether Coleman fits into long-term plans. Cooks believes there is still a path forward built on guidance and patience. He stressed that sometimes all a young player needs is someone willing to take them under their wing and show them how to succeed. Even in the midst of turmoil, Cooks sees room for growth and redemption in Buffalo.
