Stefanski Downplays 'Garbage' Mayfield Feud Ahead of Falcons-Buccaneers Rivalry

New Falcons head coach says he has 'ton of respect' for former Browns QB Baker Mayfield despite past tensions.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his introductory press conference as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Kevin Stefanski downplayed any lingering feud with former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Stefanski, who was fired by the Browns earlier this month, said he has 'a ton of respect' for Mayfield as both a player and a person, despite Mayfield's recent social media comments criticizing how he was 'shipped off like a piece of garbage' from Cleveland.

Why it matters

The Stefanski-Mayfield relationship is an intriguing subplot as the Falcons and Buccaneers renew their NFC South rivalry, with the two coaches and players now facing off twice a year. Mayfield's comments suggest there may still be some unresolved tension, but Stefanski appears intent on taking the high road and focusing on the upcoming matchups rather than dwelling on the past.

The details

Stefanski and Mayfield spent two seasons together in Cleveland (2020-21) before the Browns traded Mayfield to the Panthers. Mayfield has since revived his career in Tampa Bay, making two Pro Bowls over the past three seasons. Stefanski went 45-56 as the Browns' head coach before being fired earlier this month. The pair will now face off twice a year in NFC South divisional games.

  • Stefanski was hired as the Falcons' new head coach on January 27, 2026.
  • Mayfield's critical comments about Stefanski were posted on social media last week.

The players

Kevin Stefanski

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who previously served as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2020-2025.

Baker Mayfield

The starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who played under Stefanski for two seasons with the Browns before being traded to the Panthers in 2022.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Baker's somebody that I have a ton of respect for as a player and a person. I love rivalries in sports and obviously the Buccaneers (and) Falcons have a great rivalry. It's something that I'm excited about, but I would not get into the specifics of those types of things other than to say I have a ton of respect for Baker as a player, as a person. That's a great team with a great player.”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

What’s next

The Falcons and Buccaneers will face off twice during the 2026 NFL regular season, providing the first opportunities for Stefanski and Mayfield to renew their rivalry on the field.

The takeaway

Despite the apparent tension between Stefanski and Mayfield from their time together in Cleveland, the new Falcons head coach is taking the high road and focusing on the upcoming divisional matchups rather than dwelling on the past. This professional approach could help set the tone for a competitive NFC South rivalry between the two teams and coaches.