Noted Baker Mayfield Critic, His Former Coach, Now Sees a Different Quarterback
In a surprising shift, a former coach who had long been one of Baker Mayfield’s harshest critics is now seeing the quarterback in a new light. After years of questioning Mayfield’s abilities and leadership, the ex-coach, who worked with Mayfield during his early NFL career, recently acknowledged a dramatic improvement in the quarterback’s performance and maturity.
Mayfield, who is currently leading the **Tampa Bay Buccaneers**, has faced a rollercoaster career since his time as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018. Once known for his brash demeanor and inconsistent play, Mayfield has shown significant growth on the field this season, winning over not just fans but some of his toughest critics—including his former coach.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t think he had it in him,” the coach said in a recent interview.
“Baker always had the talent, but I questioned his leadership and decision-making under pressure. What I’ve seen lately is a quarterback who’s playing with poise, maturity, and focus. He’s a completely different player from the one I coached.”
Mayfield’s resurgence has been one of the biggest storylines in the 2024 NFL season. After bouncing between several teams in recent years, the quarterback has found new life in Tampa Bay, leading the Buccaneers to a strong start. His improved decision-making and ability to manage the game have impressed analysts and critics alike.
The former coach, who initially questioned Mayfield’s readiness to lead a team, pointed to several key factors in his turnaround. “It’s clear he’s put in the work. He’s more disciplined, and he’s making smart reads. I also see him leading with more humility, and that’s made a huge difference in how he relates to his teammates,” the coach noted.
Mayfield’s transformation has been attributed not only to his experience but also to his personal growth off the field. He has faced adversity throughout his career, including injury setbacks and a series of team changes. Now, with a renewed focus and confidence, Mayfield is playing some of the best football of his career.
In response to the newfound praise, Mayfield has remained grounded. “I’ve learned a lot from the ups and downs of my career,” he said. “I’m just focused on doing my job and helping my team win. The criticism pushed me to be better, and I’m thankful for the lessons.”
As Mayfield continues to shine, even his former detractors are starting to believe that the quarterback’s best days are ahead of him. Whether this marks the beginning of a long-term resurgence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Baker Mayfield is winning over his critics one game at a time.
