NFL.com reported Tuesday that the National Football League and Commissioner Roger Goodell has lifted the season-long season suspension levied on New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton.

The Saints coach was banned for most of the 2012 season for his involvement in the Bounty scandal that rocked the team. His suspension was lifted a week earlier than originally planned, giving him time to prepare to scout the Senior Bowl.

“We had a very productive discussion,” Goodell said in a statement. “Sean fully complied with all the requirements imposed on him during his suspension. More important, it is clear that Sean understands and accepts his responsibilities as a head coach and the vital role that coaches play in promoting player safety and setting an example for how the game should be played at all levels. We are committed to delivering football that fans love and the safety players deserve. Coach Payton agrees and I look forward to working with him going forward to do that.”

Payton is known as a coach who garners a great deal of respect from players. Reaction to his return has begun on Twitter, including one famous quarterback with no ties to the Bayou state.

Welcome back Sean! RT @gregaiello: @nflcommish has informed Saints HC Sean Payton that he is reinstated, effective immediately.

— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) January 22, 2013

– Bill Bradley, contributing editor