In a recent interview, Baker Mayfield discussed his dynamic with Kevin Stefanski, the former Cleveland Browns head coach now with the Atlanta Falcons. Despite past tensions following his departure from Cleveland, Mayfield emphasized that while their relationship isn’t ideal, there is no personal animosity. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, speaking in a Sports Illustrated video, acknowledged the competitive nature between them rather than outright hostility.
Competitive Rivalry, Not Personal Grudge
Mayfield, 30, stated,
“There’s stuff there, but it’s not like it’s beef,”
when describing his connection with Stefanski. He noted that knowing someone, whether on good or bad terms, naturally creates a desire to outperform them. When asked about upcoming matchups against Stefanski’s Falcons, Mayfield clarified that he does not view these games as revenge, but rather as important divisional contests.
“No, not really,” Mayfield said regarding whether facing Stefanski would be a personal vendetta.
“Not a revenge game in the sense of Atlanta. But [the Buccaneers] lost the division for the first time in four or five years. So, any divisional game will be a revenge game.”
Stefanski’s Response and Mutual Respect
Kevin Stefanski, now 43, responded with professionalism after Mayfield’s public statements but declined to elaborate on their relationship. Although not openly hostile, their interactions suggest respect with clear boundaries, signaling they are unlikely to socialize off the field. Stefanski’s tenure with Cleveland ended after six seasons marked by mixed results, including two playoff appearances and two Coach of the Year awards. His recent transition to the Falcons presents a fresh start following a challenging run that included just eight wins over his last two years in Cleveland.
Mayfield’s Recent Performance and Season Review
Baker Mayfield completed his eighth NFL season with the Buccaneers, displaying measurable success but falling short of playoff qualification. He finished the year with 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a 63.2 percent completion rate. Despite a solid individual campaign, Tampa Bay’s failure to secure postseason play fuels the competitive urgency Mayfield brings to divisional matchups, especially against teams like Stefanski’s Falcons.
Implications for the Upcoming NFL Season
The evolving dynamic between Baker Mayfield and Kevin Stefanski adds an extra layer of interest as the Buccaneers and Falcons prepare to face each other in the NFC South. While personal rivalry is downplayed, the competitive stakes are high, particularly with Tampa Bay seeking to reclaim divisional dominance lost after several years. Their interactions reflect the complex nature of professional sports relationships, blending past disappointments with mutual respect and future competition.
“There’s stuff there, but it’s not like it’s beef.”
Baker Mayfield discussed his relationship with Kevin Stefanski 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ml5TnVbM7z
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 21, 2026
