Since being traded away from the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Baker Mayfield has voiced comments about his former coach, Kevin Stefanski, that have sparked attention but stopped short of outright hostility. As the two prepare to meet twice annually with Stefanski now leading the Atlanta Falcons, Mayfield’s remarks suggest a competitive tension rooted in their shared past rather than a heated rivalry. This dynamic reflects the complicated overlap of professional history and playoff ambitions in the NFL.
From Browns Beginnings to Career Transitions
Baker Mayfield’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns began with high expectations after being the first overall draft pick in 2018. He set a rookie record with 27 touchdown passes and was seen as the team’s long-awaited franchise quarterback. Under Stefanski, who took over as Browns head coach, Mayfield experienced a career highlight in 2020 when the Browns secured their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades along with their first postseason victory since 1994. This achievement marked a hopeful chapter in both their careers.
However, the following season in 2021 brought challenges including injuries and inconsistent play, with the Browns finishing 8-9. Mayfield’s performance metrics, including a 69.6 score on PFSN’s QB Impact metric, reflected those struggles. Shortly thereafter, his time in Cleveland ended when he was traded to the Carolina Panthers. Since then, Mayfield’s career has included brief periods with the Los Angeles Rams and a more extended stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On-Field Encounters and the Reality of Ongoing Matchups
The quarterback has faced Stefanski’s teams only once since the trade, narrowly losing a Week 1 game in 2022 while starting for Carolina. In that close contest, Mayfield threw for 235 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 26-24 defeat. Their upcoming meetings as division rivals promise to be more frequent, with the Falcons and Buccaneers scheduled to face off twice each season. Despite the competitive stakes, Mayfield insists these games are not about settling old scores.
He described the upcoming games as
“not a revenge game of a sense of Atlanta but we lost the division for the first time since four or five years, so, any divisional game will be a revenge game, I guess.”
This perspective frames the rivalry as stemming more from the competition for divisional supremacy than personal conflict.
Personal Reflections and the Possibility for Camaraderie
While his January social media message to Stefanski —
“can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach”
— stirred anticipation among fans, Mayfield downplayed any hard feelings during a Super Bowl 60 radio appearance. He stated,
“There’s stuff there, but it’s not like it’s beef,”
and added,
“We’ve worked together, anytime you know somebody, you want to beat them whether it’s a good or bad relationship.”
These remarks underscore a realistic view of their professional history: complex, competitive, but not corrosive.
Adding a lighter note, Mayfield joked about sharing a meal with Stefanski, saying,
“Maybe we will have one after the game in Atlanta, I don’t know. I have two opportunities to see next year if we are going to share a burger.”
This openness suggests that despite past frustrations — Mayfield once described his Browns departure as being
“shipped off like a piece of garbage”
— the relationship does not bear lasting animosity.
Kevin Stefanski’s Measured Public Stance
In contrast, Stefanski has maintained a composed and respectful public posture, acknowledging Mayfield’s talent and character without engaging in negative exchanges. This high-road approach reflects Stefanski’s leadership style and emphasizes that the rivalry between them is more about professional competition within the league’s framework rather than personal discord.
With Stefanski leading the Falcons and Mayfield guiding the Buccaneers, their encounters on the field will continue to carry extra attention, shaped both by past collaboration and the immediate goal of winning divisional games. Their shared history adds depth to what might otherwise be seen as routine NFL matchups, illustrating how personal and professional narratives often intertwine in the sport.
Failed is quite the reach pal. Still waiting on a text/call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach. https://t.co/jUUsYkvlOC
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 20, 2026
