It's difficult to discern the internal dynamic between a coach and general manager, even when you're talking about a team as media-friendly as the New York Jets.
We haven't heard any reports of discord between Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum, but comments by Ryan in back-to-back days were enough to give pause.
First there was Ryan's much-derided opinion that he's coaching his best Jets team in his four years with the franchise. In explaining his reasoning, Ryan didn't bother to hide the fact that Tannenbaum hasn't exactly stocked the cupboard in Florham Park.
"I really like this team," Ryan said. "I don't know if we're strong in this one area or that one area or special teams, whatever it is, but overall in my opinion, this has the chance to be the best team I've had since I've been the coach here."
In other words, Ryan believes the Jets will be successful, despite a roster that lacks star power outside of cornerback Darrelle Revis. A day later, Ryan had this to say about the Jets' decision to select wide receiver Stephen Hill in the second round of this year's draft.
"He can run all these routes, he had good hands and he's got 4.2 speed at 6-foot-5," Ryan said. "He was the guy they all (Tannenbaum and senior personnel executive Terry Brady) wanted, but honestly, when it came down to it, a wideout?" Ryan said. "Not my dream pick. But now that we have him, of course, I want to claim him: 'Oh, that was my pick.' But it really wasn't."
We're not saying Ryan and Tannenbaum are on the outs -- or even at odds -- but Ryan is freely sharing some eyebrow-arching thoughts. Winning covers up issues, losing will bring them out. The Jets know that better than anybody.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
