CHARLESTON, Ill. —New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will receive an honorary Ph.D. from Eastern Illinois University during the school's spring commencement.

The school says Payton will be given an honorary doctorate of public service. Payton is a 1987 graduate of Eastern Illinois and played quarterback on the school's football team.  He is a member of the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame and had his No. 18 jersey retired during the 2010 season.

Eastern Illinois will have 1,300 students graduate during ceremonies Saturday at Lantz Arena on the Charleston campus.