The New Orleans Saints and Sean Payton have agreed a new contract subject to approval by the NFL.

The Saints head coach has been serving a season-long suspension for his part in the bounty program which saw players offered bonuses to injure the opposition.

Owner Tom Benson told the Times-Picayune: "He's always been our head coach. I never had any doubt about that."

Quarterback Drew Brees added: "Very happy that it is official. Never had any doubts though."

The new deal will keep Payton in charge of New Orleans for the next five seasons.

Written by
Sian Cowper