Baker Mayfield, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback, took to social media on Tuesday to express his dissatisfaction towards Kevin Stefanski, his former head coach with the Cleveland Browns, pointing out that he had not received any form of contact from Stefanski since the Browns traded him to the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
Mayfield’s remarks coincided with Stefanski’s recent hiring by the Atlanta Falcons, a move that brings both individuals into competition within the NFC South division. "Still waiting on a text/call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage," Mayfield posted. He added with a tone of irony, "Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach." This statement indicated Mayfield’s feelings of being disregarded and a lack of professional courtesy from Stefanski after a significant career transition.
The relationship between Mayfield and Stefanski has a substantial history. Drafted first overall in 2018 by the Browns, Mayfield entered the NFL with significant expectations, having garnered the Heisman Trophy during his collegiate career at Oklahoma. In his rookie season, he delivered notable performances, including throwing for 3,725 yards and setting a new rookie record at the time with 27 touchdown passes. Mayfield’s tenure under Stefanski’s leadership began in the 2020 season and included leading the Browns to their first playoff appearance in 17 years and securing the franchise’s first postseason victory in 26 years.
However, Mayfield’s time in Cleveland was marked by inconsistency, reflected in a 2019 season where he recorded 22 touchdown passes alongside 21 interceptions. He was known for his candid attitude when responding to critics of his gameplay. The Browns parted ways with Mayfield when he was traded to the Panthers, a move that led to a pivotal moment in his career. After the trade, Mayfield revitalized his professional journey with Tampa Bay, contributing to the Buccaneers’ playoff appearances in consecutive seasons (2023 and 2024), though the team ultimately experienced a late-season decline that excluded them from this year’s playoffs.
Meanwhile, Stefanski’s coaching path saw him at the Browns’ helm for six seasons before his dismissal following the recent campaign. Shortly thereafter, the Falcons appointed Stefanski, marking his swift return to an NFL head coaching role with a new organization.
The unfolding dynamics between Mayfield and Stefanski reflect the complexities faced by professional athletes and coaches navigating trades and organizational changes within the NFL, with personal relationships and professional communication playing critical roles in transitions.