Off The Pike with Brian Barrett

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

Brian breaks down the news that the Patriots are moving on from Jerod Mayo after one season as head coach, and then discusses the Celtics' loss to the Thunder, including a terrible second half from the C’s (1:00). Then, Brian chats with three-time Super Bowl champ James White about the Mayo news, the Pats losing the no. 1 pick in the draft, and Joe Milton III’s debut at quarterback (44:35). Brian ends with some listener calls, before he and producer Jamie offer some final thoughts on a tough Pats season (1:13:45).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: James WhiteProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian discusses whether the Patriots will actually start Drake Maye on Sunday, with the no. 1 pick in the NFL draft on the line, and why they desperately need that pick (1:00). Then, he chats with CLNS’ Evan Valenti about the Celtics' exciting win over the Timberwolves and Jayson Tatum’s incredible game (18:35). Brian and Jamie end with their Week 18 best bets, the upcoming NFL playoffs, and the College Football Playoff (1:08:15).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: Evan ValentiProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian recaps the Celtics’ blowout win over the Raptors on Tuesday and the Bruins' loss to the Capitals (1:00). Then, Brian chats with the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed about the Patriots as they enter the final week of the regular season, whether Drake Maye will start Sunday, evaluating Jerod Mayo's and Eliot Wolf’s first years, and more (22:00). Brian and Jamie end with a few listener emails about the Pats (1:08:10).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 BarrettGuest: Doug KyedProducer: Jamie McClellanAdditional Production Supervision: Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices