Texas Coach Sean Miller Goes Viral for Horns Down Gesture Toward Xavier Fans

Miller mocked Xavier fans after Texas' First Four win over NC State.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:22am

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Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller was seen doing the infamous "Horns Down" gesture toward Xavier fans who were in attendance for the team's First Four matchup against NC State. Miller then threw up Xavier's "X" sign before walking away, seemingly mocking the hostile environment he faced in his return to Ohio.

Why it matters

Miller's gesture toward Xavier fans highlights the ongoing rivalry and animosity between the coach and the university, where he previously served as the head coach before leaving for Texas. The incident went viral on social media, sparking discussion around sportsmanship and the emotions involved in high-stakes college basketball games.

The details

In the aftermath of Texas' 68-66 win over NC State in the First Four, Miller was seen near the Texas team tunnel doing the "Horns Down" sign toward Xavier fans who were in attendance and directing the same gesture at him. Miller then threw up Xavier's "X" sign before walking away, seemingly mocking the hostile environment he faced in his return to Ohio.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
  • Miller's gesture toward Xavier fans occurred after the final buzzer of the Texas-NC State game.

The players

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team, who previously served as the head coach at Xavier University.

Tramon Mark

The Texas Longhorns player who hit the game-winning shot to defeat NC State in the First Four.

Dailyn Swain

A Texas Longhorns guard who previously played at Xavier University.

Jordan Pope

A Texas Longhorns guard.

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What they’re saying

“I would say so, for sure, especially for me playing at Xavier with him. I felt that energy, too. Heard the boos when we came out to warm up the first time. He understands that feeling. Hostile environments like that make the game a little bit more fun. I think we were all extra motivated for sure.”

— Dailyn Swain, Texas Longhorns guard

“Definitely going into the game we knew that was probably going to happen. To hear the boos and all the chirps, definitely added that chip and that motivation to get the job done for Coach Miller. I'm glad was able to do that.”

— Jordan Pope, Texas Longhorns guard

What’s next

The Texas Longhorns will face the BYU Cougars in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Portland, Oregon.

The takeaway

Miller's gesture toward Xavier fans underscores the intense emotions and rivalries that can arise in high-stakes college basketball games, particularly when a coach returns to a former program. The incident sparked discussion around sportsmanship and the role that hostile environments can play in motivating teams to perform at their best.