Baker Mayfield Tweet Resurfaces Hard Feelings With Former Coach Kevin Stefanski

There may still be some bad feelings between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback and the Atlanta Falcons’ new head coach.

Kevin Stefanski was hired by the Falcons on January 17. Stefanski previously coached the Cleveland Browns, who started 13 QBs during his tenure, including current Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield.

Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter wrote an article where he called Mayfield and Deshaun Watson “failed QBs.” He received a community note on X. Fans noted that Mayfield led the team to the playoffs in 2020 with an 11-5 record.

This article managed to reach Mayfield’s feed. He was obviously not happy with the writer, but had more to say as well.

“Failed is quite the reach, pal,” Mayfield said, “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 Buccaneers and Falcons have competed for a playoff spot the past couple of seasons. In 2024, the Buccaneers won in Week 18 to secure a playoff spot. Meanwhile, in 2025, the Buccaneers, Falcons, and Carolina Panthers all finished with an 8-9 record. The Panthers got the tie-breaker, but it’s clear the NFC South is hyper-competitive right now. 

Mayfield’s stint in Cleveland ended after 2021 when he was traded to the Panthers. He didn’t find much success in Carolina and requested a release. He was signed by the Los Angeles Rams. Although his numbers didn’t jump out, with just four touchdowns and two interceptions, he showed some positive signs and growth.

The Buccaneers signed him for the 2023 season. He was given the near-impossible task of replacing Tom Brady. Mayfield led the Buccaneers to the playoffs in the next two seasons. He also made the Pro Bowl in those seasons.