Saints’ HC der fik sin tidligere kontraktforlængelse annulleret af NFL, har nu skrevet under på en ny 5 årig forlængelse, som han blev tilbudt for et stykke tid siden. Der gik ikke lang tid fra kontraktforlængelsen lå på bordet, til at parterne var enige ”in principle”, men nu ligger der altså en endegyldig forlængelse af Sean Payton klar, når han må vende tilbage til Saints, efter hans suspension.

Saints’ ejer Tom Benson sagde dette om forlængelsen:

“I am excited that we have finalized this contract with Sean. He has been a great leader for our organization. He and Mickey (Loomis) have built a foundation of success as they have built the roster. We have already begun preparations for the 2013 season and I look forward to getting Sean back in the building as soon as possible, as I know our fans do as well.”

Også GM Mickey Loomis er positivt stemt over forlængelsen:

“Sean has been a critical part of our success, getting him signed to a long-term deal is very important to our organization and we are pleased to have it finalized. We have already begun the process of planning for the 2013 season, turning the page on 2012. We have challenges ahead, but they are nothing we cannot overcome. I know Sean is ready to get back to football in 2013.”

Den 5 årige kontraktforlængelse vil gælde til og med 2017 sæsonen.