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- Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield addresses relationship with Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski: "It's not beef, just competition"
In the span of a few short weeks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has found himself in and out of drama from his comments aimed at Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, Mayfield's former coach during his final season with the Cleveland Browns.
What began as a viral social post brimming with personal frustration has since evolved into a more measured explanation, though the coming NFC South battles still promise drama.
In January, after news broke that Stefanski would be taking over the Falcons, Mayfield took to social media with a blistering comment that drew widespread attention from NFL fans and media alike.
Responding to a post that appeared to criticize Stefanski's work with quarterbacks in Cleveland, Mayfield wrote:
"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."
The post was interpreted by many as a pointed jab at Stefanski for the way his tenure in Cleveland ended, one that involved the Browns moving on from Mayfield in favor of Deshaun Watson.
Instead of letting the social media back-and-forth simmer into a full-blown feud, Mayfield chose to clarify his position during a recent interview at Super Bowl 60.
On the radio row with Sports Illustrated, the veteran signal-caller offered context, downplaying the idea that there is any real "beef" between him and Stefanski.
"There's stuff there, but it's not like it's beef," Mayfield said, adding that his competitive drive is rooted more in familiarity and rivalry than personal animosity.
Mayfield further explained that the competitiveness he feels toward Stefanski is common for anyone who has worked closely with a coach and now faces them from across the league.
He also noted that his focus on beating Atlanta isn't about revenge for Stefanski joining the Falcons so much as it is about reclaiming standing in the NFC South, a division the Buccaneers stumbled in last season.
"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."
Reshaping a rivalry
Historically, the Buccaneers have struggled against the Falcons during Mayfield's tenure in Tampa Bay.
Although he's led the team through some memorable moments, including dynamic years alongside star wide receiver Mike Evans, Mayfield's overall record against Atlanta has been underwhelming.
For Mayfield, who revived his career after rocky stops with the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams before landing with the Buccaneers, this reframing arrives at a critical moment in his contract year.
With his current deal set to expire soon, putting together a strong 2026 campaign, and doing so in a way that elevates the Buccaneers back to contention, is priority No. 1.
At times, Mayfield's comments have veered into humor. While enjoying a burger and fries, he was asked whether he might one day share a meal with Stefanski.
"Maybe we will have one after the game in Atlanta," he said. "I don't know. I have two opportunities to see next year if we are going to share a burger."
Stefanski, meanwhile, has taken a diplomatic approach. In prior comments following Mayfield's January post, the Falcons coach spoke respectfully of his former quarterback, acknowledging the rich competitive tradition within the NFC South while declining to escalate offfield tensions.