METAIRIE, LA. (AP) - Sean Payton plans to stick with the team that gave him his first shot as an NFL head coach for a few more years.
The Saints announced on Monday that Payton, who coached New Orleans to its first Super Bowl championship two seasons ago, has agreed to an extension through 2015.
The deal carries Payton through what would be his 10th season since he joined the Saints in 2006, shortly after the team’s miserable 3-13 2005 campaign that was defined in large part by its displacement to San Antonio because of Hurricane Katrina.
“It is good news, and I would start with it by recognizing the significant role that (general manager) Mickey Loomis and (owner) Tom Benson have had in not just this contract for me, but stability and the success we’ve had as an organization,” Payton said. “I’m very thankful to have that opportunity here for another five years.”
Including three trips to the postseason in his first five seasons, Payton has a 53-33 record with New Orleans. In his first season, he coached the Saints to their first NFC title game. In his fourth season, the Saints made the only Super Bowl appearance in the franchise’s 44-year history, beating the Indianapolis Colts.
“Our goal is to continue to build a tradition of winning here in New Orleans and Sean represents that tradition,” Benson said.
The terms of the contract were not released. Loomis would say only that it was “a good deal for Sean, a good deal for the club.”
During the past five seasons, Loomis has spoken of the strong working relationship he has with Payton and how important he thought that was to the club’s recent success.
“The relationship Sean and I have is pretty strong and I value it,” Loomis said Monday. “Obviously, I’m happy for the success that we’ve had here, really happy with the job that he’s done. … I’m just hoping it continues for a long, long time _ not just this extension, but for years beyond it.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.