Sean Payton handed over control of his team to Joe Vitt once before and the Saints have decided to do it again.

The Saints Thursday named Payton's trusted second-in-command their interim coach, despite the fact that Vitt will miss a third of the season for his role in New Orleans' bounty system.

For his part, Payton received a season-long suspension - which begins Monday; Vitt, who takes over Monday, was handed a six-game suspension.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in his announcement that the team will address at a later time how to divvy up Vitt's responsibilities during his six-week absence.
Joe Vitt to coach New Orleans Saints
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/78...payton-absence

Vitt to serve as Saints' interim coach
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/n...d-coach-041212

Brees: Vitt 'best choice' to coach Saints
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/D...-choice-041312