Sports | Sean Payton Saints Coach Reinstated After Bounty Scandal Sean Payton now committed to 'safety' By Evann Gastaldo Posted Jan 22, 2013 1:45 PM CST Copied In this 2011 file photo, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton yells from the sideline. (AP Photo/Joe Howell, File) Sean Payton is back: The NFL reinstated the New Orleans Saints coach today; he had been suspended for the entire season in the wake of his team's "bounty" scandal, in which players were paid for injuring opponents. Payton and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell "had a very productive discussion" yesterday, Goodell says in a statement, adding that Payton "fully complied" with all his suspension requirements and is committed to "safety" in the future. Earlier this month, Payton signed a five-year contract with the Saints that will likely make him the league's highest-paid coach at more than $8 million a year, ESPN reports. Read These Next Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. Tillis, who opposes Trump bill, won't seek reelection. IAEA chief downplays damage to Iran nuclear sites. Musk renews attack on Trump's bill. Report an error