The Buffalo Bills and rest of the NFL took in the 2025 combine this week from Indianapolis. Included in the bunch was head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane.

As is annually the case, McDermott and Beane were part of the Buffalo brass that got a chance to speak with prospects ahead of the upcoming draft in April. The duo also did plenty of chatting with the media.

With that, here are six takeaways from McDermott’s press conference at the combine:

Josh Allen praise

McDermott’s quarterback, Josh Allen, is the NFL MVP. Allen edged out Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for the honor.

While just an award for one season, McDermott said the honor “validates” what Allen has been doing for years in Buffalo.

“Josh has answered those gaps and closed those gaps,” McDermott said.

Firing coach

McDermott made curious comments at the end of the 2024 season. He said special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley would be back… and then he was fired. Chris Tabor has replaced him

McDermott explained he evaluated things further and then changed his mind, essentially.

“Unfortunate part of the business, but a hard part of my job. And those decisions are hard decisions. And so, I know what I said after the season there, and for me, it’s wanting to take my time and go through it and making sure that I fully evaluate the position.”

Not much on Von

It remains to be seen what the future is for Von Miller. The Bills can get out from his contract this offseason but he did improve in 2024 following his past ACL injury.

Even McDermott admitted that.

Miller had six sacks last season and was graded as the 15th best pass rusher in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.

“I thought this year was a lot better than the year before,” McDermott said.

High on James Cook

James Cook is looking for a contract extension. The running back has said he wants to be paid but there is no deal yet to be announced. It’s a work in progress.

Even so, Cook was praised by McDermott which is the expected outcome. Cook is still under contract next year, the final year of his rookie contract, after all.

“He’s one of the joys that comes with coaching,” McDermott said. “It’s just a great feeling as a coach to watch and do what he did.”

Cole will get a look

Post Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, the Bills still need to settle in at the safety position. Second-round rookie in 2024 Cole Bishop got more looks later on in the season and McDermott hinted he will again next year.

Bishop played in 16 games and made four starts in the regular season. Against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game, he started amd made 10 tackles.

More from Keon

Like at the end of the season, McDermott mentioned he wants more from Keon Coleman. McDermott called his rookie year “rocky” and noted his wrist injury playing a part.

In 13 games played, Coleman finished with 29 catches for 556 yards and four touchdowns.

“We’re looking for him to learn from those moments of adversity, and come back and have a really, really, really strong offseason and get himself going into the start of season two here,” McDermott said.