"Every indication I've ever had is that they like and respect each other," Townsend said, adding she was unaware of any major disagreement between them.

When asked by CNN if Clapper believed his authority as head of the intelligence community would be in any way compromised by Brennan being CIA chief, DNI spokesman Shawn Turner said: "Director Clapper leads the intelligence community, and he's always had great relationships with the directors of the (other) agencies, especially the CIA. That will not change when John is at the helm at the agency. He and the DNI are longtime friends and colleagues. They have always trusted and respected each other in their respective roles and I'm confident that will continue to be the case."

And the bottom-line, according to Townsend, is not whether the national intelligence director or CIA director is considered the president's senior intelligence adviser; every president will have his own model.

It's about getting the job done, and providing the president with accurate, timely and effective advice.

"If you make it about the mission and where the capability lies, and these two guys put their egos aside, then you ought to be OK," Townsend said.

And Jones said that's what these two will do. "It's not about them. These are two people whose egos are completely in check."