Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed pointed criticism from his former quarterback, Baker Mayfield, during his introduction as the Atlanta Falcons’ next head coach.
Stefanski’s move to Atlanta sets up an immediate subplot in the NFC South, where he’ll face Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice per season. The relationship between the two has remained strained since Mayfield’s exit from Cleveland, and that tension resurfaced publicly this week.
Mayfield reacted to a social media post from Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter D. Orlando Ledbetter, who labeled Cleveland’s quarterback situation under Stefanski a failure.
“Falcons’ Kevin Stefanski had a dumpster fire at quarterback in Cleveland — Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson failed, which started a chain reaction to 11 other starters,” Ledbetter wrote. “QB Shedeur Sanders closed out last season with seven starts.”
Mayfield didn’t hold back in his response, directing his frustration squarely at Stefanski.
“Failed is quite the reach pal,” Mayfield wrote. “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.”
Stefanski was asked about the comments and opted to take the high road, declining to escalate the exchange while acknowledging the competitive edge it adds.
“I love rivalries,” Stefanski said. “I wouldn’t get into the specifics of the hype around things other than to say I have a ton of respect for Baker as a player and as a person.”
Ex-Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski Takes Tommy Rees With Him to Atlanta
Stefanski brought part of his Cleveland staff with him to Atlanta, including offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. The 33-year-old interviewed for the Browns head coaching job but did not make it to the second round.
Stefanski confirmed during his introductory press conference that Rees will call the plays for the Falcons. With the Browns, Stefanski handed play-calling duties to Rees following Cleveland’s Week 9 bye.
“Tommy will call plays,” Stefanski said. “I think he’s an outstanding football coach. He has had unbelievable experiences in his young career. We see the game similarly but we also push each other.”
Cleveland’s offense struggled mightily in 2025, finishing near the bottom of the league in most major statistical categories. The Browns ranked 29th in yards per game (262.1) and 31st in points per game (16.4).
Browns Will See Both Stefanski, Mayfield Next Season
As the tension between Mayfield and Stefanski continues to linger, the Browns won’t be avoiding either storyline in 2026. Cleveland is scheduled to host Stefanski’s Falcons at home next season. The Browns will also head to Tampa Bay for a road matchup against Mayfield and the Buccaneers. The NFL schedule has not been set, but opponents have been announced.
Meanwhile, the Browns have a lot to figure out before the start of next season. Cleveland is in the final stages of their coaching search. The Browns are deciding between Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Cleveland is also sorting out its quarterback situation. Shedeur Sanders started seven games last season but the team did not commit to him as the starter moving forward. Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel are also under contract for next season.
Ex-Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski Responds to Baker Mayfield Slander