Baker Mayfield’s 2026 Motivation Tour Just Got Two New Stops: Atlanta and Los Angeles
Baker Mayfield isn’t new to adversity. In fact, he seems to thrive in it. But as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into a pivotal offseason, their franchise quarterback has more than just a fresh playbook and training camp battles on his mind-he’s carrying a few extra chips on his shoulder, and they’ve got names: Kevin Stefanski and Mike McDaniel.
Let’s rewind for a second. Mayfield opened the 2025 season looking like a dark horse MVP candidate.
He was sharp, confident, and in command of the Buccaneers offense. But as the season wore on, things unraveled.
Injuries piled up, the coaching staff struggled to adjust, and Mayfield himself couldn’t maintain the level of play he demands from himself. The result?
A frustrating campaign that left Tampa Bay fans wondering what could’ve been-and left Mayfield with more fuel for the fire.
Now, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Mayfield over the years, it’s that he plays his best football when he’s got something to prove. From his college days as a walk-on to his rollercoaster NFL journey, he’s made a habit of turning slights-real or perceived-into motivation. And this offseason has delivered two big ones.
Stefanski in Atlanta: A Familiar Face, A Fresh Grudge
First up: Kevin Stefanski. The former Browns head coach and Mayfield’s old boss in Cleveland is now the man in charge in Atlanta. And let’s just say their relationship didn’t exactly end on a high note.
Mayfield hasn’t been shy about his feelings toward Stefanski. Their time together in Cleveland was marked by tension, miscommunication, and a sense that the quarterback wasn’t fully empowered to lead the offense.
Now, with Stefanski taking over a division rival, the storyline writes itself. Two matchups a year.
Mayfield with a point to prove. Buccaneers-Falcons just got a whole lot more interesting.
There’s no faking the edge Mayfield brings when he feels disrespected. And with Stefanski now calling plays for the other side, you can bet Mayfield will have those games circled in red ink.
McDaniel Chooses Herbert Over Mayfield
Then there’s Mike McDaniel. The offensive mind behind Miami’s recent success was a top target for the Buccaneers in their search for a new offensive coordinator.
Tampa Bay made a strong push, hoping to pair Mayfield with one of the league’s most creative play-callers. But McDaniel chose the West Coast instead, taking the Chargers job and aligning himself with Justin Herbert.
That decision stings-not just because Tampa missed out on their top candidate, but because of what it implies. Whether fair or not, McDaniel opted for Herbert over Mayfield.
That’s another name on the list. Another slight.
Another reason for Mayfield to dig deep.
And let’s be honest: McDaniel’s choice wasn’t just about quarterbacks. The Chargers also brought in Jim Harbaugh, a proven winner with a strong track record.
That coaching tandem-Harbaugh and McDaniel-offers a different kind of stability and vision than what Tampa currently has with Todd Bowles. But even so, the optics are what they are.
One coach picked Herbert. One team got passed over.
And Mayfield noticed.
What’s Next for Tampa Bay?
With McDaniel off the board, the Buccaneers are still searching for the right offensive mind to pair with Mayfield in 2026. It’s a critical decision. Tampa’s offense needs a reset, and Mayfield needs a coordinator who can maximize his strengths-quick reads, mobility, and that undeniable competitive fire.
Whoever steps into that role will inherit a quarterback who’s hungry, motivated, and looking to remind the league what he’s capable of. Mayfield has always responded best when his back’s against the wall. And right now, the wall’s getting crowded.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a defining one for Mayfield. He’ll face off against Stefanski twice, carry the weight of being passed over by McDaniel, and try to rebound from a season that didn’t live up to expectations.
But if history has taught us anything, it’s this: when Baker Mayfield feels slighted, he doesn’t sulk-he scrambles, he fights, and he competes like his career depends on it. Because in his mind, it probably does.
And that’s exactly the kind of fire Tampa Bay might need to reignite their offense and make noise in the NFC South.