41.   Gordon Blakeley, the director of player personnel and international scouting, readily agreed.

42.   He has hired a good one in Bob Ferguson, vice president for player personnel.

43.   He had been director of player personnel for the Jets and the foundation for his departure was laid weeks, even months, in advance.

44.   He has also had some personality conflicts with Tom Boisture, director of player personnel.

45.   He served as director of player personnel and vice president of basketball operations while with the Bucks and general manager and executive vice president with the Warriors.

46.   Hughes now is vice president of player personnel for the Marlins.

47.   If Smith goes, Anders Hedberg, now the assistant GM and director of player personnel, would move a spot closer to team president Ken Dryden.

48.   In addition to his coaching title, Bowman also is director of player personnel.

49.   In further news, fullback Sam Gash met with Patriots vice president of player personnel Bobby Grier Thursdayat Foxboro Stadium.

50.   Indeed, Patriots vice president of player personnel Bobby Grier said Wednesday if the team were to draft Azumah it would initially try him in the secondary.