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.