Stefanski, Mayfield try to get on the same page
After a disappointing 8-9 season and with quarterback Baker Mayfield publicly criticizing coach Kevin Stefanski’s play-calling twice in the last month, the relationship between the two has naturally been under the microscope lately.
But the message the Browns have been sending is Stefanski and Mayfield had a good conversation Jan. 7 during the quarterback’s end-of-season exit meeting, which was held a few days earlier than usual because Mayfield was shut down for the season finale this past weekend as he readies for Jan. 19 surgery on the completely torn labrum he suffered in his left, non-throwing shoulder in Week 2.
On Thursday, Stefanski provided some insight about his relationship with Mayfield during an interview with 92.3 The Fan.
“It’s good. We talked. He’s going to get surgery, which is huge for him, and he can start the rehab process here and get ready to jump back into it,” Stefanski said. “But Baker and I, I think we work well together.
“I respect him. He respects me. I push him. He understands how we operate. We’ve had two years together, and I think as a team, we’ve certainly just had our ups and downs. But I do think that we push each other, and there’s definitely a level of respect there.”
What does Mayfield think?
He has not addressed Browns beat writers since Jan. 3, when he quarterbacked his final game of the season, a 26-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But Fox sideline reporter Lindsay Czarniak said Mayfield told her he recently had great conversations with Browns coaches and staff members about his plans for the future.
Also, a person familiar with the exit meeting between Mayfield and Stefanski told the Beacon Journal the QB and coach were on the same page during their discussion about working out any issues that exist.
Moving ahead was Stefanski’s focus when he spoke to reporters Monday as well.
“I fully expect him to bounce back next year,” Stefanski said regarding Mayfield.
Another assistant exits
Browns defensive line coach Chris Kiffin is joining the Ole Miss coaching staff as co-defensive coordinator, a person familiar with the situation told the Beacon Journal.
Kiffin’s brother, Lane Kiffin, is Ole Miss’ head coach.
Previously, Browns assistant defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett left for Liberty University.