UConn Coach Hurley Fined $25K for Ejection

Huskies coach's combative history with officials continues ahead of March Madness

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley was ejected from the Huskies' loss to Marquette on Saturday after picking up two technical fouls in the final seconds of the game. The Big East Conference later fined Hurley $25,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct, citing his "inappropriate interactions with our officials." Hurley argued that a foul should have been called on Marquette's Ben Gold during a late-game play, but no foul was called. Hurley denied making physical contact with the official, though replays suggested otherwise. This is the latest chapter in Hurley's combative history with officials, which has become a regular sight on social media.

Why it matters

Hurley's frequent run-ins with officials have become a storyline as he has led UConn to back-to-back national titles. His ejection and fine come just before the start of the high-stakes NCAA Tournament, raising questions about how his behavior could impact the Huskies' postseason run.

The details

In the final seconds of the game, Hurley argued that UConn's Silas Demary Jr. was fouled by Marquette's Ben Gold while driving to the basket. No foul was called, and Marquette's Chase Ross made four free throws - two from the original foul and two more from the technical fouls assessed to Hurley - to seal the victory. Hurley said he never bumped into official John Gaffney, though some replays suggested otherwise. The Big East said its review couldn't confirm any physical contact between Hurley and Gaffney.

  • UConn lost to Marquette 68-62 on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
  • Hurley was ejected from the game with 1 second remaining.
  • A couple hours after the game, the Big East fined Hurley $25,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies basketball team, who has a history of combative interactions with officials.

Silas Demary Jr.

A UConn player who Hurley argued was fouled on a late-game drive to the basket.

Ben Gold

A Marquette player who was involved in the late-game play that Hurley argued should have been a foul.

Chase Ross

A Marquette player who made four free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory for Marquette.

John Gaffney

The official that Hurley confronted and was ejected for arguing with.

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What they’re saying

“We hold our coaches to high standards of sportsmanlike conduct during game competition, and inappropriate interactions with our officials will not be tolerated.”

— Val Ackerman, Big East Commissioner (kob.com)

“You could screen-shot whatever you want to screen-shot. I don't feel like I made any contact with John. I don't believe I did.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach (kob.com)

“Listen the officiating for us, it is what it is in this league. I'm not going to comment on that.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach (kob.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.