Imagn Images

QB Baker Mayfield Calls Out Falcons New Head Coach

Originally posted on Football Analysis | By Aaron Sauter | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 5:37 PM ET

While the attention in the NFL this week has been split between the AFC and NFC Championship games and the nonstop reports on coaches being interviewed for coaching openings across the league. However, the NFL’s next greatest rivalry has been ignited by a series of social media posts by Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield directed toward the Atlanta Falcons’ new head coach, Kevin Stefanski. The fire between the Falcons and Buccaneers stems from Baker Mayfield’s previous relationship with Stefanski in Cleveland.

Baker Mayfield responded to a series of tweets about Kevin Stefanski getting an opportunity with the Falcons after failing to win in Cleveland due to a “dumpster fire” at quarterback.

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. https://t.co/jUUsYkvlOC
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 20, 2026

Baker Mayfield, Kevin Stefanski, and the Cleveland Browns

Statistically, Baker Mayfield was the best quarterback the Cleveland Browns during the Kevin Stefanski era. During his four-year career in Cleveland, Mayfield led the Browns to a 30-30 record. But in 2020, Mayfield was the driving force in leading the Browns into the NFL Playoffs and leading them to a playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That was the last playoff win for the Cleveland Browns, and Stefanski’s inability to right the ship after pushing Mayfield out of the league’s organization compromises Stefanski’s reputation. The leading compliment related to Stefanski is that he is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year. One of those awards is a direct result of the outstanding play of Mayfield.

While Stefanski managed the Browns’ Deshaun Watson scandal to deliver another winning season in 2023, it is arguable that the Browns would have been much better with consistent quarterback play. What is not arguable is that Mayfield still carries a wealth of frustration toward Stefanski due to what he felt was an unfair dismissal by the Browns.

The Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta Falcons Rivalry Pops Off

In Mayfield’s tweet about being excited to face Kevin Stefanski’s Atlanta Falcons twice a season. While that statement may have seemed like a passive-aggressive judgement of Stefanki, Stefanski’s response was not nearly as complicated to interpret when he responded with “Let’s F*****g Go”. If the Buccaneers and the Falcons end up battling one another for the top spot in the NFC South next season, this rivalry could turn into an inferno.

This article first appeared on Football Analysis and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: