Report: Sean Payton Is Close To Contract Extension With Saints

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton told Pro Football Talk and NFL Network last night he's close to a new contract extension with the franchise.

Peyton signed a 5-year, $40 million deal in 2012 following his suspended season away for bountygate allegations. At $8 million a year, he is currently the highest paid coach in the NFL, along with Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks.

With 2 years left on his contract, rumors swirled at the end of the 2015 season that Payton would be leaving the Saints for another head coaching gig, and in doing so, New Orleans would release him from his contract.

However, the rumors never came to fruition, and Payton made it clear in his season ending press conference that he loved New Orleans, and planned on remaining with the Saints.

"I'll stay as long as they'll have me," noted Payton.

He told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, he sees himself remaining with the franchise for "at least the next four or five years."

Either way, Payton has two years left on his current contract.

Will the extension pay him even more? Considering he's the highest paid coach in the league, but has made one playoff appearance since signing his current extension in 2012, his next extension will lead to some debate among Saints fans.