Sarkisian Celebrated Texas Win With Cigars
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian enjoyed a cigar following a 20-17 victory over Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian brought a celebratory cigar into the locker room after the No. 1 ranked Longhorns defeated No. 13 Tennessee. Sarkisian also appeared at his postgame press conference with a cigar in front of him.
Why it matters
The coach used the cigar as a nod to the well-known Tennessee-Alabama rivalry, an tradition he observed during his past tenure at Alabama. This symbolic gesture marked his victory over the Volunteers after previously coaching against them as an assistant.
Texas entered the game as the No. 1 ranked team, while Tennessee held the No. 13 ranking. The Longhorns secured the narrow 20-17 win at Neyland Stadium.
The players
Steve Sarkisian
He is the current head football coach for the University of Texas.
Nick Saban
He is a former head football coach at the University of Alabama who employed Sarkisian.
The details
Steve Sarkisian incorporated the cigar tradition into his postgame routine to honor his history with the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry. He served as an assistant coach at Alabama during three prior victories over the Volunteers.
Timeline
Sarkisian coached at Alabama under Nick Saban in 2016.
Sarkisian served as Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2019 to 2020.
Texas defeated Tennessee at Neyland Stadium on September 26, 2026.
The Big Picture
This gesture follows the long-standing Tennessee-Alabama rivalry cigar tradition. The display reflects the cultural influence of SEC football rituals on coaches who transition between rival programs.
The victory preserves the Longhorns' status as the No. 1 ranked team in the country. This result significantly impacts the current playoff picture and maintains Texas's undefeated standing.
The takeaway
Coaches often carry traditions from past programs into their current roles as a form of rivalry tribute. These postgame rituals provide a glimpse into the personal history and motivations of team leaders.
Further reading
For more on the Longhorns' season, visit Austin Football.
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Is it appropriate for winning coaches to celebrate using traditions specific to their opponent?
