Sean Payton reportedly reinstated, may join staff at Senior Bowl

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The stands at the Senior Bowl's north squad practice were full of coaches and scouts. The talk of the town, however, Saints Head Coach Sean Payton being reinstated.

"We miss him dearly, our players miss him, our coaches miss him, our city misses him, it's going to be great," said interim coach Joe Vitt.

FOX10 caught up with Vitt after the practice.

"He's back with his coaches doing what he loves to do and I think he'll probably try and get a part of the week down here and get back with his staff and start evaluating the players," Vitt said.

Payton, along with several coaches and players, and Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, were all suspended after the NFL said it uncovered a bounty program in which cash was offered for plays, including big hits on the field. Payton's suspension was supposed to last through the Super Bowl, which this year, is being played in New Orleans.

Payton's reinstatement is effective immediately, and Vitt said he expects Payton to join the staff in Mobile. Vitt meanwhile has been holding the Saints together, including checking out the players getting ready for the Senior Bowl.

"I've been coming down here for 35 years. The city has changed, the Senior Bowl is getting better, there's a great talent pool down here," said Vitt.

Payton is expected to be in Mobile Wednesday for both the north and south practices.