The idea that Aqib Talib lacks a solid work ethic doesn’t make any sense to one of his closest confidants.

Mark Mangino, who coached Talib at Kansas and remains close to the Patriots cornerback, has little reason to believe Talib was anything but a diligent player behind the scenes. Mangino noted yesterday Talib loved practice and preparation as he progressed through Kansas and was highly regarded by many in the Buccaneers organization last summer.

Therefore, it didn’t add up that Talib would thrive under Greg Schiano’s regimented system with the Bucs and then forget how to go about it under Bill Belichick. It was reported this week that Talib didn’t go the extra mile, which could limit the Patriots’ desire to give the free agent a multiyear contract.

“Not (Talib), because he loves to play football,” Mangino said. “He enjoyed practice time. He hustled, made plays, did all of his drill work full speed, played hard in the games, did what was asked of him in the weight room, got bigger and stronger when he was with us. I find that a little hard to believe.

“Things can change, obviously, but I stopped into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp (last summer). I visited with several members of the staff, front office people, strength coaches, trainers, assistant coaches. To the person, they told me what a great job Aqib was doing. ‘He is showing leadership. He is working his tail off in the (organized team activities). He’s been a leader. He is really busting his butt, and he is really working hard.’

“That doesn’t always happen. I have been to training camps in the past where I’ve had a former player that I’ve coached, and the coaches have come up to me and say, ‘This player doesn’t work hard. He’s not into it.’ They’ll tell you the truth. When you go to these NFL places, they don’t mince any words.”

Mangino made sure to express that he isn’t in the Patriots’ locker room, so he can’t know for sure, first-hand, if Talib is following the workout protocol. Yet, Belichick and Talib’s teammates routinely backed his work ethic and attitude throughout his three-month tenure with the Pats, both on and off the record. Mangino’s opinion further backs that.

Mangino also recognized a player who performed well during his stint with the Pats, and the former coach was excited to see Talib join the highly esteemed organization, particularly after a handful of off-field incidents during his 41⁄2 seasons with the Bucs.

Because of that, Mangino thinks it would be advantageous for both sides to continue their working relationship, though he conceded a mutually beneficial partnership isn’t the be-all, end-all in contract negotiations.

“Even though I have interest in Aqib’s future, and there’s no question about that and I want him to be successful, he knows the lay of the land there a lot better than I do,” Mangino said. “If he asks for my advice, I’ll tell him what I think, but I’m certainly not going to call him and lend him my advice. He’s a grown man. He has a representative. He knows and understands how the NFL works. He’s a smart guy. He’s an intelligent guy. Things are going well for him in New England, and I think that’s a fact he has to take into consideration, but I have no idea what he’ll do or even if he’ll ask me. It’s none of my business, but if he asks me, I will be glad to discuss the situation with him because I do care about him.”

The two last spoke before the AFC Championship Game, and Talib told Mangino he was excited about the game plan and their chances to beat the Ravens. Talib had two strong series before leaving with an injury.

Now, the question is whether or not that was the final game of Talib’s Patriots career. The Pats could franchise him from Feb. 18-March 4 for $10.668 million. If they don’t reach a deal before free agency begins March 12, it’s quite possible another team could outbid the Pats, but Mangino doesn’t think money will be the overriding factor on Talib’s decision, so long as it’s all comparable.

“It’s a very delicate situation,” Mangino said. “I’m old school. I’m into the loyalty thing, and I think a lot of players still are in this day and age. However, with the kind of money that is being exchanged nowadays in free agency, it’s hard for young people to say no to it. I still think Aqib will make a decision not just based on money. I think he wants to be in a good situation with good people and a good team environment. I think he understands that. Is money a factor? Well, when isn’t money a factor in professional sports? But is that the only factor? I don’t know. Knowing Aqib, I think he’ll take a lot of things into consideration.”