Saints hire Cowboys assistant Payton as head coach

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The New Orleans Saints, who were
homeless in 2005 after the devastation caused by Hurricane
Katrina, hired Dallas Cowboys assistant Sean Payton as head
coach on Wednesday.

Payton replaces Jim Haslett, who was fired after the club’s
3-13 season and last-place finish in the NFC South.

“Obviously 2005 was a traumatic year for this area,” Payton
told a news conference. “It was a tough year for this team.

“I hope in some small way the effort of this team in 2006
and beyond will represent this city and region well and show
the country that New Orleans is back and someone to be reckoned
with in the NFC South.”

Payton arrived in Dallas in 2003 after four years with the
New York Giants, the last three as their offensive coordinator.

The New Orleans job is his first as head coach.

“There is nothing magical to winning in this league,”
Payton said. “It’s difficult but it’s not a secret.

“It’s the same with every winning team right now.
Preparation, attention to detail.”

Haslett was sacked after compiling a 45-51 record in six
seasons.

“I believe today we’ve hired a head coach that has what it
takes to bring a championship to this city,” said Saints
general manager Mickey Loomis.

“A city and a fan base that is very deserving of a
championship.”

The Saints were forced to play home games in San Antonio,
Baton Rouge (Louisiana) and East Rutherford (New Jersey) after
Katrina caused extensive damage to the New Orleans Superdome.

“We went through a very thorough and exhaustive search and
I’m pleased with the outcome,” Loomis said.

“We interviewed some very impressive coaches, all
successful in their own right. But we felt the hiring of Sean
Payton at this time was the best decision, the best fit for our
team.”

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington)