NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has signed a five-year contract extension that will run through the 2017 season.

The team Wednesday announced the extension but did not release details. Payton had agreed to the deal in principle on Dec. 29.

Saints General manager Mickey Loomis says getting Payton signed to a long-term deal was ``very important to our organization.''

Payton has guided the most successful period in the franchise's history, leading the Saints to three NFC South division titles and four postseason appearances. Two of his teams advanced to the NFC Championship and the 2009 squad won Super Bowl XLIV.

Payton, who was suspended for the entire 2012 season in connection with the NFL's bounty investigation, can return to work Feb. 4, the day after the Super Bowl.