One of the most respected names in Browns history is stepping in to defend former Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski following some pointed comments from Baker Mayfield - and the tension is already building ahead of what could be a fiery NFC South rivalry.
Let’s start with the facts: Kevin Stefanski was let go by the Browns after six seasons at the helm. His time in Cleveland was a mixed bag - a 45-46 record over 101 games, two playoff appearances, and a pair of Coach of the Year awards.
But it ended on a sour note with back-to-back seasons of 12 or more losses. Now, he’s getting a fresh start in Atlanta, where the Falcons are hoping he can be the guy to lead them back to the top of the NFC South - a place they haven’t been since their Super Bowl run in 2016.
But not everyone is wishing him well - especially not Baker Mayfield.
In a recent piece out of Atlanta, a local writer referred to Mayfield’s time in Cleveland as a “failure” and described the quarterback situation Stefanski dealt with as a “dumpster fire.” That didn’t sit well with Mayfield, who’s now with the Buccaneers and still clearly carrying some baggage from his Browns exit.
“Failed is quite the reach pal,” Mayfield fired back on social media. “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.”
It’s no secret that Mayfield played through a slew of injuries during his final stretch in Cleveland - injuries that no doubt impacted his performance. But the way things ended clearly still stings, and Stefanski’s silence, at least in Mayfield’s eyes, hasn’t helped.
Enter Joe Thomas.
The Browns legend and Hall of Fame offensive lineman wasn’t about to let the back-and-forth go unchecked. He weighed in with a reminder that communication cuts both ways.
“I could be wrong…but I’ve heard that communication is a 2-way street and there were no laws against you (Baker) sending Stefanski a text or calling him after you got traded🧐,” Thomas posted on X.
It’s a fair point from a guy who knows the inner workings of the Browns organization better than almost anyone. Thomas isn’t picking sides as much as he’s offering perspective - and maybe suggesting it’s time to move on.
Still, the damage is done. The next time the Falcons and Bucs meet, it won’t just be about division standings or playoff positioning. There’s a personal edge now - a quarterback with something to prove and a coach trying to rebuild his reputation in a new city.
If Mayfield’s social media post is any indication, he’s got those matchups circled on the calendar. And with Stefanski now in the same division, we’ll get to see this play out on the field - not just online.
Get your popcorn ready.