The Buffalo Bills are preparing for the 2026 NFL season under newly appointed head coach Joe Brady, who was promoted from offensive coordinator after the team parted ways with Sean McDermott last month. Brady, 36, recently spoke with reporters at the NFL combine, emphasizing his intentions to maximize the potential of wide receiver Khalil Shakir on offense.
Joe Brady Outlines Vision for Khalil Shakir’s Role
Brady expressed confidence in Shakir’s versatility, suggesting the player can be deployed both inside and outside the formations. He highlighted the variety of ways the team plans to get Shakir involved offensively to capitalize on his talents beyond just short-range plays.
“As we put together this roster, just finding different ways to utilize the guys, where it’s not the same year in and year out. And I think Khalil can play inside and outside, right? And there’s really not a lot of things Khalil can’t do…” Brady said.
“There’s definitely ways to get the ball in his hands in different ways, and we have to continue to grow his game, because he’s such a huge component to our offense. He’s one of our best football players, and when the ball’s in his hands, good things is happening. And it doesn’t necessarily always have to be in a short range…” the Bills HC continued.
Fan Backlash Questions Previous Utilization of Shakir
Despite Brady’s optimistic statements, many Bills fans expressed frustration, pointing out that Brady had several seasons as offensive coordinator to prioritize Shakir’s involvement but seemingly failed to do so. Social media users criticized Brady for not acting on similar plans during his prior tenure.
One fan said, “Its almost like he had 2.5 years to do that.”
Another said, “Wasn’t he the OC? Why didn’t he do that more last year?”
One X user tweeted, “He has 2.5 years of evidence that this isn’t the case. I think he forgets that we’ve watched his offense.”
“This year we’re gonna find out if McDermott was hand cuffing this team or if Brady is full of sh*t,” tweeted one more.
One fan wrote, “I wonder who called the offence that only allowed him to get the ball around the line of scrimmage.”
“Does this man remember that he was offensive coordinator? He could’ve done that already? But chose not to when he had the chance,” commented another.
Challenges Faced by the Bills and Outlook for 2026
Last season, the Buffalo Bills struggled to sufficiently support quarterback Josh Allen, forcing him to carry much of the offensive load. Fans are eager to see whether Joe Brady’s expanded role as head coach will lead to a more effective offense, including better utilization of Khalil Shakir, and relieve some pressure off Allen.
The upcoming season will serve as a critical test to evaluate how much change Brady can bring to the Bills’ offensive schemes and whether Shakir’s role will finally reflect the potential that Brady spoke about.
Joe Brady wants the ball in Khalil Shakir's hands more
and
wait for it
"it doesn't necessarily always have to be in a short range if you know what I mean." pic.twitter.com/0fz2UnJQL3
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) February 24, 2026
Its almost like he had 2.5 years to do that
— DJK (@BDJK47) February 24, 2026
Wasn’t he the OC? Why didn’t he do that more last year?
— Louis Paone (@LouisPaoneLV) February 24, 2026
He has 2.5 years of evidence that this isn't the case. I think he forgets that we've watched his offense.
— Andrew Kozlowski (@AndrewKoz88) February 24, 2026
This year we're gonna find out if McDermott was hand cuffing this team or if Brady is full of shit.
— uAlreadyChode (@u_chode10315) February 24, 2026
I wonder who called the offence that only allowed him to get the ball around the line of scrimmage pic.twitter.com/43InigTWH5
— Matteo Giuliano (@MatteoG29_) February 24, 2026
Does this man remember that he was offensive coordinator? He could've done that already? But chose not to when he had the chance?
— Melina Myers (@melinasphotos) February 24, 2026
