In January 2026, Baker Mayfield, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, commented on his previous coach, Kevin Stefanski, following Stefanski's hiring by the Atlanta Falcons. Mayfield had been traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Carolina Panthers after the 2021 season and was vocal about his journey, particularly how he felt mistreated by the Browns organization, likening his departure to being ‘shipped off like a piece of garbage.’ With a history that included leading the Browns to the divisional round of the playoffs in his rookie season under Stefanski's guidance, the relationship between these two players is multifaceted and has evolved over time. Stefanski, during his introductory press conference, acknowledged Mayfield’s impact and expressed respect for him both personally and as a player. The rivalry between the Buccaneers and the Falcons is particularly noted, and the prospect of these two going head-to-head adds layers to the competitive landscape ahead of their matchups in the 2026 season. Mayfield's transition to the Buccaneers comes after playing under various offensive coordinators throughout his career; now with Zac Robinson, who previously worked with him in the Rams organization, he is expected to build on previous experiences as he aims to enhance his performance in Tampa. Robinson affirmed that Mayfield's leadership qualities and ability to connect with teammates will be paramount in keeping team morale high and winning games in the 2026 season. The Buccaneers hope to maintain the positivity and productivity witnessed during the initial success of their last season.