TAMPA, FL (January 21, 2026) — The NFC South has long been known for its physical play and intense rivalries, but as of Tuesday night, the temperature in the division just hit a boiling point. The hiring of Kevin Stefanski as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons has not only reshaped the coaching landscape but has also reignited one of the most bitter personal feuds in recent NFL history.

Baker Mayfield, the current star quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wasted no time in welcoming his former coach to the division—not with a handshake, but with a flamethrower. In an explosive social media post that instantly went viral, Mayfield called out Stefanski for the unprofessional manner of their breakup in Cleveland, publicly accusing the coach of ghosting him after he was “shipped off like a piece of garbage.”

The Tweet That Shook the South

The controversy erupted on Tuesday, January 20, shortly after the Atlanta Falcons officially announced Stefanski as their new head coach. Stefanski, who was fired by the Cleveland Browns earlier this month after six seasons, was brought in to stabilize the Falcons franchise.

However, the hiring prompted Atlanta Journal-Constitution beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter to comment on Stefanski’s past, claiming that Mayfield had “failed” during his tenure under Stefanski in Cleveland.

Mayfield, never one to let a slight slide, responded directly on X (formerly Twitter) with a quote-tweet that silenced the “failure” narrative and exposed deep, lingering wounds.

“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.”

The tweet was a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the resentment Mayfield still carries four years after his unceremonious exit from the Browns. It also served as a declaration of war for the upcoming season, as Mayfield and Stefanski will now face each other twice a year as division rivals.

The “Failure” Narrative vs. Reality

Mayfield’s defensiveness regarding his time in Cleveland is backed by the record books. The narrative that he “failed” ignores the historic success the duo achieved in the 2020 season. Together, Mayfield and Stefanski led the Browns to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth—ending an 18-year postseason drought.

More importantly, they delivered the franchise’s first playoff victory in 26 years, a dominant win over the arch-rival Pittsburgh Steelers during Wild Card Weekend. That season earned Stefanski the NFL Coach of the Year award, an accolade largely built on Mayfield’s efficient execution of the offense.

However, the relationship soured in 2021. Mayfield battled a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder for much of the season, grit that was initially praised but eventually led to a regression in performance. The Browns finished 8-9, and the tension between quarterback and coach became palpable.

The Deshaun Watson Debacle

The true source of the “bad blood” referenced in Mayfield’s tweet lies in the chaotic offseason of 2022. In a move that remains controversial to this day, the Browns organization decided to move on from Mayfield in favor of Deshaun Watson.

Cleveland traded three first-round picks and committed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract to Watson, effectively discarding Mayfield. According to Mayfield’s recent comments, Stefanski—the man who had hoisted a Coach of the Year trophy thanks in part to Mayfield’s play—never reached out to offer a personal goodbye or explanation.

For Mayfield, being “shipped off” to the Carolina Panthers (before eventually finding his home in Tampa) without so much as a text message was a personal betrayal that clearly still stings.

A Tale of Two Trajectories

Since that breakup, the fortunes of the two men have diverged significantly. Mayfield has experienced a career renaissance in Tampa Bay. After signing a $100 million contract, he led the Buccaneers to NFC South division titles and playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, cementing himself as a franchise leader and a fan favorite.

Stefanski, meanwhile, struggled to replicate the magic of 2020. The burden of the Deshaun Watson contract and inconsistent play eventually led to his firing in Cleveland this past January. His move to Atlanta offers him a fresh start, but it also places him directly in the path of the quarterback he cast aside.

The New NFC South Rivalry

The implications of this feud for the 2026 NFL season are massive. The Buccaneers and Falcons rivalry has always been spirited, but it now possesses a level of personal animosity rarely seen in professional sports.

When the Buccaneers host the Falcons at Raymond James Stadium, or when Mayfield travels to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the narrative will not just be about playoff positioning. It will be about revenge.

“Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach,” was not a pleasantry; it was a threat. Mayfield plays with a chip on his shoulder better than perhaps any quarterback in the league. Now, he has a tangible target standing on the opposing sideline.

What Comes Next?

Stefanski has yet to respond publicly to Mayfield’s comments. Known for his stoic demeanor, it is unlikely the new Falcons coach will engage in a war of words on social media. However, he will have to answer questions about the relationship—and the lack of a goodbye text—during his introductory press conference in Atlanta later this week.

For now, Baker Mayfield has drawn the battle lines. The “garbage” has become the gold standard in the NFC South, and he is ready to remind Kevin Stefanski exactly what he let go of—twice a year, every year.

The 2026 NFL schedule just got a lot more interesting.