Fitzgerald Cecilio
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees expressed confidence that coach Sean Payton will return in 2013.
There was speculation a few weeks ago after Payton's contract extension with the Saints was voided that he was trying to get out of his deal to go to the Cowboys.
That's if Dallas let go of coach Jason Garrett. But with surging Dallas in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East and needing to win out to win the division, it appears Garrett will stay.
"It seems like there's been enough going on here for us to focus on and really try not to think about that. I'm very confident that Sean will be back here in New Orleans," said Brees.
Garrett said he's ignored the Payton rumors because his focus remains on the Cowboys.
Payton is suspended because of his role in the Saints' bounty scandal. An NFL investigation found the New Orleans Saints had a bounty system that rewarded 22 to 27 players for hard hits and for injuring opposing players.
Minus their coach, the Saints started 0-4. But New Orleans regrouped to win three straight in the middle of the season to improve to 5-5.
Brees has had one of his toughest seasons because he not only leads the league in passing yards (4,335) but is tied for the league lead in interceptions (18), as well. Brees said he's missed Payton's ability to communicate with the team.
BASEBALL | BASKETBALL | COLLEGES | FOOTBALL | GOLF | HOCKEY | OLYMPICS | SOCCER | TENNIS
Receive our NFL News & Analysis by email by subscribing here
NFL Super Bowl History
NFL Super Bowl History, Scores, Summaries & Super Bowl MVP Articles
Drew Brees Expects Sean Payton to Continue Coaching New Orleans Saints - NFL 2012