AP

The annual “this is Sean Payton’s last year with the Saints” rumors will be continuing, for at least the next few years.

In an interview that will be televised on Thursday night’s edition of Pro Football Talk on NBCSN, Payton said that he is close to finalizing a new contract with the team. Payton also said he envisions remaining with the Saints for at least the next four or five years.

Hired in 2006, Payton led the Saints to the Super Bowl XLIV championship. One of his first orders of business was to sign quarterback Drew Brees as a free agent.

Speaking of Brees, Payton said he has no concern about the quarterback’s contract, which currently has a cap number of $30 million for 2016. Payton expressed confidence that Brees and the team will work out an extension soon.

Perhaps even sooner than that, Payton will have an extension of his own.