LANDOVER, Md. — New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has been given a contract extension through the 2012 NFL season.

Payton's deal was confirmed by the team before today's game against the Washington Redskins.

Payton already was signed through 2009. The new deal adds three years to his contract.

This is Payton's third season with the Saints. He went 17-15 his first two years, including a trip to the NFC championship game in 2006.

New Orleans won its 2008 opener, beating Tampa Bay 24-20.