Baker Mayfield Criticizes Kevin Stefanski Following Coach’s Move to Falcons

21 January 2026 Sports

TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did not hold back his feelings about his former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski after Stefanski’s recent hiring as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Mayfield’s pointed remarks came shortly after an Atlanta-based journalist highlighted Stefanski’s struggles with quarterback consistency during his tenure in Cleveland.

Mayfield, the Browns’ first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, reminded fans and critics alike of the role he played in leading the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 during Stefanski’s inaugural season as head coach in 2020. Despite this success, Mayfield said he was treated poorly by the organization and by Stefanski personally, stating he was cast out like “garbage” and that Stefanski never reached out to him following the trade.

“I was the guy who helped bring the Browns back to relevance, and yet I was treated like I didn’t matter,” Mayfield said in a recent interview. “Now he’s in the NFC South, and suddenly we’re rivals.”

Stefanski’s move to the Falcons marks a significant shift in the NFC South coaching landscape, adding intrigue to the division where the Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers also compete. Stefanski’s tenure in Cleveland was marked by a strong offensive system but also by frequent changes at the quarterback position, which some analysts have attributed to inconsistent results.

The NFL’s official site provides a comprehensive overview of Stefanski’s coaching career and his impact on team dynamics, highlighting both his successes and challenges. Meanwhile, the NFL’s player profile for Mayfield details his career trajectory and statistics that underscore his contributions to the Browns.

Mayfield’s remarks have sparked discussion about player-coach relationships and organizational loyalty in professional football. The U.S. Government’s sports resources offer insights into the broader impact of coaching changes on team performance and player morale.

As Stefanski prepares to lead the Falcons into the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how this new chapter unfolds in the NFC South. Meanwhile, Mayfield continues to build his legacy with the Buccaneers, focusing on proving his critics wrong and leading his team to success.

For ongoing updates on NFL coaching changes and player movements, the NFL Players Association website remains a valuable resource for fans and analysts alike.

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Marcus Reed follows major U.S. leagues, college sports and big events with an eye for the business, culture and community stories that live beyond the scoreboard.
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