Sean Payton's multi-year contract with the New Orleans Saints has been voided within the past year, according to sources.

When Payton is reinstated by the NFL, he will be free to coach any team.

Payton is expected to become the NFL's most sought-after head coach and speculation has begun that he could end up with the Dallas Cowboys.

Payton confirmed the news, according to FoxSports.

Payton had a clause in his contract that allowed him to walk away from the deal if general manager Mickey Loomis was suspended, fired or left the Saints' organization, according to sources. The NFL believed that the language in Payton's deal would set a bad precedent.

In a statement issued Sunday morning, the NFL said it had "made no determination" on the status of Payton's contract for next year.

"All contracts between clubs and their employees must be approved by the commissioner, and we do not comment on specific terms of individual contracts," the statement said. "Any comment regarding the matter should come from Coach Payton and the Saints."

Many believe Payton's strong relationship with owner Tom Benson will keep him with the Saints.

But Payton has recently gone through a divorce and bought a house in Dallas early last year.