Why is Baker Mayfield so fired up for Kevin Stefanski reunions? “Failed? Can’t wait to see you”

Baker Mayfield didn’t wait long for old wounds to reopen once Kevin Stefanski reentered his orbit.

The Mayfield-Stefanski spat explained

After Stefanski was hired as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, a social media post describing Mayfield as having “failed” in Cleveland prompted a sharp response from the Buccaneers quarterback. Mayfield’s reply wasn’t just blunt, it was personal, and didn’t leave much room for interpretation.

“Failed is quite the reach pal,” Baker Mayfield wrote on X. “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.”

That last line matters. Stefanski now leads a Falcons team that shares the NFC South with Tampa Bay, guaranteeing two annual meetings and ensuring the past will not stay buried.

Mayfield, Stefanski... and Watson

The frustration goes beyond internet discourse. Mayfield and Kevin Stefanski once enjoyed tangible success together. In 2020, they helped the Browns reach the playoffs and secure the franchise’s first postseason win in decades. A year later, injuries, offensive disagreements, and public criticism strained the relationship beyond repair.

Cleveland’s decision to pursue Deshaun Watson in 2022 ended Mayfield’s tenure abruptly, and, according to Mayfield, without any direct acknowledgment from Stefanski. He was eventually traded, beginning a nomadic stretch that included Carolina and Los Angeles before landing in Tampa Bay.

There, Mayfield rebuilt his career. Two Pro Bowl seasons and a career year in 2024 have reshaped his reputation. And now we have a spicy new narrative to look forward to in the fall.

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