On December 17, 2006, the Saints clinched their third division title in franchise history.<br />For the first time in Saints' history, they clinched their NFC South title on their home field.<br />Sean Payton became the second consecutive Saints coach to win a division title in his first season.<br />After a loss by the Dallas Cowboys to the Philadelphia Eagles on Christmas Day 2006, the Saints clinched a first-round playoff bye for the first time in franchise history. (*)