Hempstead, N.Y. ? Eric Mangini smiled when asked if his knack for making halftime adjustments was something he learned from watching Bill Belichick at “the other place.”

That, of course, is New England. And the New York Jets coach has often referred to his former employer with that vague description. Mangini changed all that Wednesday.

“We can say ‘New England’ now,” he said, causing the contingent of at least 40 media members at the Jets’ practice facility to chuckle. “When I was at New England – with Bill – I thought he made outstanding adjustments.”

That might have marked the first time this season he said the words “New England” and Belichick’s first name in one breath.

Being in the playoffs apparently thaws out even the frostiest of relationships. The two coaches, who’ll meet again Sunday in the first round of the playoffs, were full of praise for each other Wednesday.

“Eric has done a great job and he’s seen the team improve through the course of the year,” Belichick said.

That almost qualifies as a lovefest, considering the apparent cold feelings the two have had since Mangini relinquished his role as Belichick’s defensive coordinator to join the Jets last January. It’s uncertain what led to the strain because neither coach will address it, but it was clear something went sour.

“I made comments about Eric when he was hired,” Belichick said. “I still feel that way. Nothing has changed there. This game is about these two teams this week playing to keep their season alive. That’s really what my focus is and that’s what our team’s focus is, to try and play well on Sunday and keep our team’s season going.”