Off The Pike with Brian Barrett

In this engaging conversation, Zack Cox, a Celtics reporter for the Boston Herald, dives into the team’s inconsistent performances, highlighting their troubling fourth-quarter struggles. He discusses Jayson Tatum's recent slump and contrasts this year's Celtics with the previous season. The talk also touches on potential ownership changes for the team and their significance. Additionally, Brian Barrett shares insights on the Patriots' coaching hires and compares the recent success of the Chiefs to the Patriots’ historical dominance.

Brian gives out his Sunday Thoughts including Derrick White’s return to form for the Celtics, Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye’s partnership, David Pastrnak’s underrated season for the Bruins, and more (0:45). Then, Brian answers a listener call before he and Jamie discuss the Red Sox’s offseason (42:10).We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at offthepike@gmail.com.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Host: Brian BarrettProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian chats with friend of the pod Kevin Hench about the Celtics' disappointing loss to the Lakers on Thursday night, and why they’ve struggled so much as of late. Then, they discuss the Pats hiring Mike Vrabel and what they will do with the no. 4 pick in the NFL draft, before quickly hitting on the Red Sox and Bruins (0:45). Then, Brian discusses whether the Red Sox should sign free agent Alex Bregman, and the Bruins win over Ottawa on Thursday (33:15). Brian and Jamie end with the best bets for the NFL conference championship games (41:55).We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at offthepike@gmail.com.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Host: Brian BarrettGuest: Kevin HenchProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian talks about the Patriots bringing Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator, recaps the Celtics' blowout win over the Warriors on MLK Day, and previews their West Coast road trip (0:35). Then, Brian chats with NFL Media’s Eric Edholm about the Pats’ offseason needs, the top players in the upcoming draft, how this draft class compares with those of other recent years, and a preview of the championship games this coming weekend (39:55). Brian and Jamie end by discussing the college football national championship and Fenway Sports Group’s aspirations to buy an NBA franchise (1:07:50).We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at offthepike@gmail.com.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Host: Brian BarrettGuest: Eric EdholmProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bobby Manning, an analyst from CLNS Media, dives into the Celtics' struggles this season, discussing the impact of Kristaps Porzingis's return and questioning the effectiveness of their coaching strategies. He highlights the importance of individual performances from stars like Tatum and Brown while addressing defensive inconsistencies. The conversation also touches on the Patriots' promising future with a young QB and new coaching dynamics, as well as the Red Sox's missed opportunities and strategies in the offseason.

Julian McWilliams, a Boston Globe reporter renowned for breaking the Garrett Crochet trade story, joins to discuss the Red Sox’s offseason plans. He dives into what fans can expect from new ace Garrett Crochet and the future of Jarren Duran amidst trade rumors. The conversation shifts to potential free agent Alex Bregman's prospects and the challenges of maintaining player value in a competitive market. They also unpack the Celtics' ongoing struggles, reflecting on key player performances and the implications for the team's playoff potential.

Khari Thompson, a Boston.com reporter known for his sharp insights on Boston sports, joins the discussion to unpack Mike Vrabel's hiring as the Patriots’ head coach. They dive into potential offensive coordinator candidates and the franchise's future, debating the upside of Vrabel alongside quarterback Drake Maye. The conversation also touches on the current struggles of the Celtics, examining fatigue effects and how these challenges compare to past championship teams. It's a thrilling blend of sports strategy and team dynamics!

Brian reacts to the news that the Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as their next head coach and discusses what Vrabel will bring to the organization, the head coaching search, why the Krafts went with Vrabel over Ben Johnson, and more (1:00). Brian and Jamie end with some final thoughts on Vrabel, and comparing the Pats and Red Sox’s ownerships (31:20).We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at offthepike@gmail.com.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Host: Brian BarrettProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian discusses the Patriots’ head coach search, and looks at the top two candidates: Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson (1:00). Then, he chats with The Ringer’s Michael Pina about the Celtics’ season so far, Jayson Tatum’s incredible year, whether the Celtics are the favorites to win the title, a much improved Eastern Conference, and more (22:10). Brian and Jamie end with their best bets for the NFL’s wild-card weekend (1:08:00).We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at offthepike@gmail.com.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Host: Brian BarrettGuest: Michael PinaProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian recaps the Celtics’ win over the Nuggets on Tuesday, and the Bruins’ continued slump (1:00). Then, he chats with Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald about the end of Jerod Mayo’s tenure as head coach of the Patriots, Robert Kraft’s record since the end of the Tom Brady era, potential head coach candidates, and more (25:00). Brian and Jamie end with a couple listener emails on the Pats, and talk about the Red Sox’s offseason (1:12:30).We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at offthepike@gmail.com.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Host: Brian BarrettGuest: Andrew CallahanProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices