Baker Mayfield has offered a candid assessment of his relationship with Kevin Stefanski, acknowledging lingering tension from their Cleveland Browns tenure while stressing that the situation falls short of a true feud. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback addressed the dynamic during a recent interview, providing insight into how past professional friction now translates into competitive motivation rather than personal animosity.
The conversation resurfaces following Mayfield’s earlier social media reaction to criticism of his Cleveland tenure, where he pushed back against narratives surrounding his departure. Now, with Stefanski taking over as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the storyline gains additional relevance as both figures operate within the same division.
Mayfield’s perspective suggests a relationship defined by professional history, mutual respect, and a natural desire to outperform a familiar coach rather than a personal rivalry.
Competitive mindset driving Mayfield’s approach to divisional matchups
Despite acknowledging unresolved elements from their time together, Mayfield framed future meetings with Stefanski through the lens of competition rather than revenge. For a quarterback entering his ninth NFL season, familiarity with opposing coaching tendencies can serve as both a strategic advantage and emotional motivator.
More importantly, Mayfield’s focus appears centered on Tampa Bay’s broader divisional ambitions. The Buccaneers’ inability to secure the NFC South title last season has heightened urgency across the roster, positioning every divisional game as critical regardless of personal narratives.
This perspective reflects the mindset of a veteran quarterback prioritizing team success while still recognizing the natural competitive fire associated with facing former colleagues.
Rest of NFL: sitting at home, relaxing on vacation
Baker Mayfield thinking about Kevin Stefanski: pic.twitter.com/Gk3SKL4zQ6
— BakerMuse (@MuseBaker) January 21, 2026
Statistical performance shows stability despite team struggles
Mayfield’s 2025 campaign offered evidence of steady production even as Tampa Bay fell short of playoff qualification. He finished the season with 3,693 passing yards and 26 touchdown passes while completing 63.2 percent of his attempts — numbers that reinforce his continued viability as a starting quarterback.
While not elite, the statistical output demonstrated improved decision-making and offensive command compared with earlier stages of his career. The Buccaneers’ offensive inconsistency, particularly in key situational moments, ultimately limited postseason opportunities despite Mayfield’s efficiency.
Looking ahead, Tampa Bay’s offensive trajectory will depend on improved red-zone execution, protection consistency, and playmaking support around Mayfield — factors that could elevate his production into upper-tier territory.
“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
Stefanski’s Falcons move reshapes NFC South storyline
Stefanski’s arrival in Atlanta adds a compelling subplot to divisional competition. After a lengthy tenure with Cleveland that included two playoff appearances and multiple Coach of the Year honors, the Falcons’ hiring represents both a fresh opportunity and a strategic shift.
His offensive background and quarterback development reputation could influence Atlanta’s long-term roster construction, potentially intensifying the division’s competitive balance.
For Mayfield, facing a coach who played a role in his early-career challenges adds narrative intrigue while also offering familiarity with Stefanski’s offensive philosophy and situational tendencies.
