Sean Payton told PFT Live last week that he expected to have at least “another good 5-6 years” coaching the Saints.
On Monday morning, the team made it official. The Saints announced via Twitter that Payton is officially on board through 2015.
Owner Tom Benson was predictably pumped.
“I am very pleased to announce this contract extension today for Sean that will run through the 2015 season. Our goal is to continue to build a TRADITION of winning here in New Orleans and Sean represents that tradition,” Benson said.
It’s easy to forget what a lack of tradition the Saints had before Payton. He’s guided them to the playoffs three times, with a Super Bowl title and another NFC Championship appearance in only five years. The franchise had one playoff win since they came into the league in 1967 before Payton got there.
Payton joked to Florio that he wanted to stay at least as long as Drew Brees is around. The next order of business for New Orleans is to get Brees signed at least through 2015 as well.
Despite a “huge gap” between the Saints and Brees at the negotiating table for now, we fully expect the team to make sure Payton and Brees stay together for a while longer.