Big stick energy

Before the first ball was tipped in the First Four at University of Dayton Arena this week, an unusual sideline essential made its way onto the hardwood — an extra-large tacklebox. 

As the Texas Longhorns filed in for Monday afternoon’s open practice, Chris Quinn, associate director of equipment operations, lugged the box to the visitors’ bench and flipped it open. Inside: hundreds of pieces of gum — Bazooka, Bubble Yum, Big Red, Juicy Fruit, Extra, Doublemint, Hubba Bubba, Dubble Bubble and more. 

Moments later, head coach Sean Miller strolled over, made his selection, unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth. Just like that, practice could begin.

Good coaches often credit strong relationships as the foundation of championship teams. But there’s another, more peculiar bond that shows up on pro sidelines everywhere — the one between a coach and his gum.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton won’t step onto the field without a stick of Juicy Fruit. Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Danny Smith chews his bubble gum — usually Bazooka or Dubble Bubble — with jackhammer intensity, often nearly falling out of his mouth mid-shout at officials. And former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll made gum as much a part of his sideline persona as his headset.

The habit isn’t just a football quirk. At Texas, Miller has made it part of the program’s culture — or at least its sideline necessities.

Quinn said it started simply, when Miller arrived last year and noticed something missing.

“He made a comment about how we didn't have enough of a gum selection,” Quinn said. “And said the real mark of a good program is how good the gum selection is.”

So, Quinn got to work. A trip to Home Depot turned up the tacklebox. Then came the Amazon order — hundreds of pieces, every variety he could think of.

“There’s so much gum in there, so much gum,” Quinn said, laughing.

By the time Texas tipped off Tuesday night, the ritual had already played out once more: the box opened, the choice made, the chew underway. And by night’s end, the Longhorns had a 68–66 win over NC State to go with it — one more small ritual, faithfully kept — a game plan that clearly sticks.

Photography by Maggie Endres '26