FOXSports.com has learned that the New Orleans Saints have agreed in principle to a deal to make Dallas offensive coordinator Sean Payton their new head coach. The two sides are trying to iron out a final contract, which has not yet been signed. Payton interviewed twice with Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, as did Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson. Other top candidates included Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon and former Packers coach Mike Sherman. Payton won out after strong recommendations from close coaching cronies inside the division, Carolina's John Fox and Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden, as well as from many others throughout the NFL. He was offered the Raiders' coaching job two years ago but turned it down.