Stefanski praises Mayfield despite social media jab

New Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski took the high road, opting not to get involved in a war of words with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield poured fuel on the heated NFC South rivalry last week by posting a pointed message about Stefanski and their time together with the Cleveland Browns. The two-time Pro Bowler voiced his frustration that his former coach never reached out after he was "shipped off like a piece of garbage." Mayfield ended his post by saying, "Can't wait to see you twice a year, Coach."

"Baker's somebody that I have a ton of respect for as a player and a person," Stefanski said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi. "I love rivalries in sports, and obviously, Buccaneers-Falcons have a great rivalry. It's something that I'm excited about, but I would not get into the specifics of those type of things other than to say I have a ton of respect for Baker as a player, as a person. That's a great team with a great player."

Stefanski and Mayfield played integral roles in the Browns' 2020 playoff run, helping secure the franchise's first postseason victory since 1994 with a wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The next season, Mayfield played through a torn labrum in his non-shoulder. In July 2022, the Browns traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers.

Instead of engaging in a feud, Stefanski is focusing on his new team. The two-time AP Coach of the Year has filled out his coaching staff in Atlanta, retaining defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and hiring Tommy Rees as his offensive coordinator. Stefanski said Rees will handle play-calling duties for the Falcons next campaign.

Atlanta is hopeful Stefanski can turn the team's fortunes around. The Falcons haven't made the playoffs since 2017 and have posted an 8-9 record in each of their past two seasons.