The New Orleans Saints have hired Sean Payton as their new head coach to replace Jim Haslett. Payton, who was an assistent to Bill Parcells in Dallas, will try to improve a team that had a dismal season after suffering from Hurricane Katrina this season.

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

The Saints had a 3-13 record in 2005 after showing some promise the year before. The Saints started the 2005-2006 season off with an emotional victory on the road against the Carolina Panthers. After that, it was not a pretty season for the Saints.

Payton realizes that Katrina has caused a problem for the Saints as well as New Orleans as a whole.

"Obviously 2005 was a traumatic year for this area, it was a tough time for this team. I hope that in some small way the effort of this team in 2006 and beyond will represent this city and this region well," Payton said.

There is a strong chance that the Saints may cut QB Aaron Brooks loose. In the final few games of the regular season, Brooks was benched and replace by backup Todd Bouman. If the Saints want to keep Brooks for next season, they will owe him $6.5 million in salary. Payton declined to comment on what he'll do with Brooks.

Haslett had a decent reign with the Saints, but he was not able to take them to the next level. The Saints hope or better luck under Payton.