Sugar Bowl

Sean Payton was hired in 2006 as the 14th head coach in Saints history. It was his 19th season in the coaching profession.
 
With the team in a rebuilding year under the rookie head coach, little was expected. Instead, it proved to be the most memorable season (to date) in Saints history.
 
The Saints won their first three games and five of their first six outings. The Black 'n Gold finished 10-6 and captured the NFC South title to earn a first round bye in the playoffs. A 27-24 second-round victory over the Philadelphia Eagles launched the Saints to the NFC championship game for the first time in history.
 
The success of the Saints was truly shocking as they were coming off a 3-13 record in 2005 with a completely rebuilt roster for 2006.
 
Payton was the unanimous choice as the NFL Coach of the Year. Pro Football Weekly, the Associated Press, and NFL Motorola also selected him as their choice for NFL Coach of the Year. He was also named the Professional Coach of the Year for Louisiana as selected by the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s Sports Awards Committee.
 
Payton orchestrated an offensive unit that ranked No. 1 in the NFL in offense behind the top-rated quarterback – another newcomer in Drew Brees. Brees led the league in passing yards and topped the NFC in passing percentage. The offense was third in the NFC in points scored and second offensively in sacks allowed.
 
Through the guidance of Payton, the Saints captured the hearts of football fans nationwide, as hope for the future reigns supreme for Saints faithful everywhere.

The New Orleans Sports Awards Committee began in 1957 when James Collins spearheaded a group of sports journalists to form a sports awards committee to immortalize local sports history. For 13 years, the committee honored local athletes each month. In 1970, the Sugar Bowl stepped in to sponsor and revitalize the committee, leading to the creation of the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 1971, honoring 10 legends from the Crescent City in its first induction class. While adding the responsibility of selecting Hall of Famers, the committee has continued to recognize Sugar Bowl Athletes of the Month.

Story submitted by René Nadeau of the New Orleans Sports Awards Committee.

-www.AllstateSugarBowl.org-