Vikings: Personnel additions mean one subtraction is likely

The Vikings formalized several changes to their personnel department Thursday, adding two members of the Miami Dolphins front office while saying at least one longtime employee likely will leave.

Frank Gilliam, who joined the organization in 1970 and served as a regional scout last season, wants "to pursue other opportunities," said Rick Spielman, vice president of player personnel. Gilliam could return in a consultant's role, Spielman said. The same goes for pro scout Paul Wiggin, whose situation has not been finalized.

Meanwhile, Spielman confirmed the hiring of George Paton as director of player personnel and Scott Kuhn as a pro scout. Frank Acevedo, formerly a pro scout, will move into a college scouting role, Spielman also confirmed.

Paton and Kuhn worked in Miami for Spielman, the Dolphins' top personnel executive from 2000 to '04.

"This was the first opportunity to bring in some guys that are familiar with the system," Spielman said. "I think by adding these two, and doing some of the things we have done, will actually strengthen the department even more."

Paton, who was expected Thursday at Winter Park, will oversee the pro side of the personnel department, a job that has been vacant for several years. Scott Studwell will remain director of college scouting, reporting directly to Spielman. The rest of the team's personnel department will return intact.

"Those guys are extremely talented at what they do," Spielman said. "The one thing is, sometimes when a new guy comes in, you want to see the work ethic and buying into your system, and they all did that. They all came in, pitched in, and learned a new way to do things without any hesitation."

In unexpected places

Frank Gonzalez, the head coach of Monterrey (Mexico) Tech who will serve as a coaching intern with the offensive line during training camp, said college football is surprisingly popular in Mexico. He equated the level of play to upper-echelon NCAA Division II teams in the United States.

"We played a couple of Division III teams ,and it's a bit lopsided sometimes," Gonzalez said. "Probably the biggest difference is positions like receivers and defensive backs. We don't get all of those skilled players down there. But our offensive linemen are pretty good. We average about 6-4, maybe 330 pounds across the line."

After winning 12 national titles at Monterrey, including each of the past three seasons, Gonzalez is hoping to get an NFL job before he retires.

"It's a desire," Gonzalez said. "I can't say it's not. I've been working at the university long enough [since 1979] where I could retire and come back into the United States. It started as a learning process but then it's kind of built-in. Maybe somebody, maybe someday."

One-day respite

Coach Brad Childress gave most veteran players the day off from Thursday's Organized Training Activity, but the full team will reconvene this morning for practice at Winter Park. Afterward, players and coaches will take a bus to American Indian/World Cultures Magnet School in St. Paul.

At the school, they will participate in building a new playground based on designs drawn by students.

"We'll see if they can put up a tire swing that will hold up [lineman] Bryant McKinnie," said offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

Etc.

• Highlight of Thursday's practice: Rookie quarterback Tyler Thigpen's beautifully thrown pass deep down the right sideline, which receiver Martin Nance caught for a 45-yard gain.

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com