Kevin Stefanski, the newly appointed head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has issued a measured response to former quarterback Baker Mayfield after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star launched a scathing social media attack against him last week. The public dispute has ignited discussions across the NFL community, highlighting lingering tensions from their shared time with the Cleveland Browns.
Mayfield's Explosive Allegations on Social Media
Baker Mayfield, currently the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, took to social media to accuse Stefanski of treating him "like a piece of garbage" during their two-season partnership in Cleveland. The outburst was triggered by a recent article from legendary Falcons reporter D. Orlando Ledbetter, published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which described Stefanski's quarterback situation in Cleveland as a "dumpster fire" and suggested both Mayfield and Deshaun Watson had "failed" in that role.
Mayfield directly replied to Ledbetter on the platform X, stating: "Failed is quite the reach pal. Still waiting on a text/call from [Stefanski] after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach." This pointed comment underscores the unresolved personal and professional grievances that have simmered since Mayfield's departure from the Browns.
Stefanski's Diplomatic and Respectful Rebuttal
In contrast to Mayfield's fiery remarks, Kevin Stefanski chose a path of diplomacy and praise when addressing the situation publicly on Tuesday. The Falcons coach refrained from engaging in specifics or retaliation, instead focusing on his respect for Mayfield as both an athlete and an individual.
"Baker's somebody that I have a ton of respect for as a player and a person," Stefanski stated. "I love rivalries in sports and obviously Buccaneers-Falcons have a great rivalry. It's something that I'm excited about, but I would not get into the specifics of those type of things other than to say I have a ton of respect for Baker as a player, as a person. That's a great team with a great player."
This response highlights Stefanski's professional approach, aiming to de-escalate the conflict while acknowledging the competitive nature of their upcoming encounters in the NFC South division.
A Look Back at Their Turbulent Cleveland Tenure
The relationship between Stefanski and Mayfield in Cleveland was marked by both notable success and eventual disappointment. During their two seasons together, the Browns compiled a 17-13 record and achieved a significant milestone in the 2020 campaign by securing the franchise's first playoff victory in 26 years with a Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. They advanced to the AFC Divisional game, where they were ultimately defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, the following 2021 season saw a downturn, with the Browns finishing 8-9 and missing the postseason entirely. Mayfield battled a shoulder injury that required surgery, contributing to the team's struggles. In the subsequent offseason, Cleveland made a dramatic shift by trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson, handing him a staggering five-year, $230 million contract after sending three first-round picks and additional draft assets to the Houston Texans.
Mayfield's Journey Post-Cleveland and Future Clashes
With Watson's arrival, Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2022. After a challenging stint where he went 1-5, he requested his release and was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield has credited a successful five-game period with the Rams for rejuvenating his career before he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In Tampa Bay, Mayfield has solidified his reputation as one of the NFL's more talented quarterbacks, amassing 12,237 passing yards for 37 touchdowns with a 27-24 record over three years. The 2025 campaign was his first losing season with the Buccaneers, finishing 8-9.
Meanwhile, Stefanski's tenure with the Browns after Mayfield's exit yielded only one winning season in the following four years. Now with the Falcons, Stefanski was recently unveiled alongside team owner Arthur M. Blank and president of football Matt Ryan, marking a new chapter in his coaching career.
As both the Buccaneers and Falcons compete in the NFC South, Mayfield and Stefanski are set for two potentially awkward reunions during the 2026 NFL season, adding a personal rivalry to their professional showdowns on the gridiron.
