New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) carries against Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (95) during the second half of an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

NEW ORLEANS — Dismissing speculation that Sean Payton may leave New Orleans because of a glitch in his contract, Drew Brees has no doubt he’ll be reunited with the suspended Saints coach in 2013.

“I absolutely believe he’ll be back,” Brees said Monday night after guiding the Saints to a 28-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Payton was suspended for the season by the NFL for his role in the bounty scandal. The league has taken issue with a clause in the contract extension he agreed to more than a year ago, which was to have kept him in New Orleans through 2015.

“I haven’t seen the report or heard the report,” Saints interim coach Joe Vitt said. “I don’t want to have any comment, but let me say this: This team loves Sean, and Sean loves this team. This city loves Sean, and Sean loves this city. I think that’s a tough combination to beat.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Sunday he does not know if Payton might become a coaching free agent after the season.