Before the Detroit Lions season mercifully ended, there were national reports of tension that had developed between coach Jim Schwartz and general manager Martin Mayhew. It included speculation that Schwartz could be fired.

 Both have denied the tension and both are still employed by the Fords.

 In fact, Mayhew shed some light on the situation saying that there is a natural tension between a coaching staff and a personnel department.

 This certainly isn’t unique to the Lions or even football. Personnel departments want coaches to make them look like geniuses. Coaches always want more talent. That’s life.

 “I think there’s a natural tension between a coaching staff and personnel department that exists,’’ Mayhew said. “I think that’s a natural relationship. The personnel department you want your players to succeed and have your players put in position to succeed, I think that’s a universal league-wide thing.

“I also think a coach wants to have better players, I think that’s a natural tension that exists between a coaching staff and personnel department,’’ Mayhew said. “Our relationship has not changed one bit since 2009, those reports were erroneous.’’

 If a disappointing 4-12 season can’t tear them apart, maybe nothing can. Unless it’s a 3-13 season or worse.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her new book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)