Sean Payton is back as coach of the Saints.
Payton’s season-long suspension for his role in the Saints’ bounty program was lifted by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday, nearly two weeks earlier than expected.
The decision allows Payton to attend the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday, where some of the top college players available for the NFL draft will be competing.
“I clearly recognize that mistakes were made, which led to league violations,” Payton said in a statement. “Furthermore, I have assured the commissioner a more diligent protocol will be followed.”
Payton, who earlier this month signed a contract extension running through the 2017 season, had not been at work since mid-April, when Goodell rejected the coach’s appeal of his suspension.
Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams remains suspended indefinitely, but is free to pursue a new job and may find his own ban lifted imminently as well, according to multiple reports.