Baker Mayfield Reflects on Relationship with Kevin Stefanski Ahead of NFC South Matchups

Baker Mayfield’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns under Kevin Stefanski ended amid high expectations and mixed results, leaving fans and analysts debating the quarterback-coach dynamic. In January, Mayfield publicly responded to social media criticism of his time in Cleveland, defending his performance and subtly criticizing Stefanski for the way his departure was handled.

Now, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons under Stefanski, Mayfield offered insight into their relationship in a video shared by Sports Illustrated. At 30 years old, the two-time Pro Bowler described a mix of competitiveness and professional distance rather than outright animosity.

According to Mayfield, while there is “stuff there,” it is not personal beef. He noted that knowing someone professionally inherently motivates him to compete, and he expects to bring that intensity to NFC South matchups against Stefanski’s Falcons.

The conversation highlights the nuanced realities of NFL relationships: former collaborators may part ways under difficult circumstances, yet mutual respect and competitive drive often remain intact, shaping interactions both on and off the field.

1. Clarifying the Relationship

Mayfield was candid about the tension from his Browns days but clarified that it does not constitute personal hostility. “We’ve worked together. Anytime you know somebody, you want to beat them,” he said, noting that competitive spirit drives his motivation rather than lingering resentment. Asked if games against Stefanski and the Falcons would be “revenge games,” Mayfield downplayed the notion. He explained that while Tampa Bay seeks to reclaim divisional dominance after losing the NFC South for the first time in several years, it is about team goals rather than personal payback. The quarterback’s perspective frames their relationship as professional yet competitive: he respects Stefanski’s coaching abilities but remains determined to outperform him on the field. This outlook reflects Mayfield’s focus on immediate team objectives over personal grudges. Stefanski, for his part, has remained diplomatic regarding the relationship. The 43-year-old coach has not publicly criticized Mayfield and avoided elaborating on their interactions, suggesting a mutual understanding and respect despite the circumstances that ended their time together in Cleveland.

2. Mayfield’s 2025 Season

Mayfield completed his eighth NFL season with the Buccaneers, putting up solid statistics but falling short of a playoff berth. He finished the year with 3,693 passing yards and 26 touchdowns while completing 63.2% of his passes, underscoring his effectiveness even if team results were inconsistent. As the Buccaneers navigated a season that ended with a divisional loss, Mayfield’s focus has shifted to internal improvement and positioning the team for a stronger campaign. His comments about divisional “revenge” highlight a competitive mindset aimed at winning NFC South games rather than settling personal scores. Throughout the season, Mayfield’s leadership and on-field production remained valuable for Tampa Bay, particularly as the team integrated new personnel and adjusted to various lineup changes. His experience under pressure will likely be critical in upcoming contests against Stefanski’s Falcons. Overall, while Mayfield’s numbers reflected solid individual play, the lack of playoff qualification emphasizes the team-level adjustments Tampa Bay will pursue in the offseason.

3. Stefanski’s New Chapter in Atlanta

After six seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Kevin Stefanski took over as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, following a challenging final two years in Cleveland that included just eight combined wins. Stefanski’s tenure with the Browns also included two playoff appearances and two Coach of the Year awards, marking a successful but ultimately unfulfilled chapter. With the Falcons, Stefanski now faces the task of rebuilding a team in the competitive NFC South. His previous experience running efficient offenses and developing quarterbacks gives Atlanta a foundation to challenge divisional rivals, including the Buccaneers. Mayfield and Stefanski’s paths will intersect again, creating a high-stakes environment where professionalism and competitiveness meet. While both have moved on from Cleveland, their shared history ensures every matchup carries personal and tactical significance. The dynamic between quarterback and former coach highlights the complexity of NFL relationships: competitive drive and respect coexist, influencing interactions in the division while underscoring each side’s commitment to team success.