Falcons' Stefanski takes high road on Mayfield's post - ESPN

ATLANTA — New Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski took the high road in response to Baker Mayfield's incendiary recent X post.

Stefanski was asked about Mayfield's comments at his introductory news conference Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mayfield, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, wrote Jan. 20 that Stefanski never called or texted him after the Cleveland Browns shipped him away «like a piece of garbage.» Mayfield was Stefanski's quarterback in Cleveland in 2020 and 2021.

«Baker's somebody that I have a ton of respect for as a player and a person,» Stefanski said. «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.»

Mayfield added in his post: «Can't wait to see you twice a year, Coach.» The Bucs also recently hired Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator. Robinson was with the Falcons in the same role in 2024 and 2025.

Stefanski and the Falcons hired Tommy Rees to replace Robinson as offensive coordinator. Rees, a former Notre Dame quarterback, was in that position with the Browns last season.

On Tuesday, Stefanski said Rees, 33, would be the one calling plays. Stefanski started last season calling plays before relinquishing the job to Rees last November.

«Tommy will call plays,» Stefanski said. «That's a setup that I'm very, very comfortable with. I think he's an outstanding football coach. He's young, but I don't know if you always measure experience just in years. I think he's had unbelievable experiences in his young career [and] is somebody that I trust. We see