UConn Basketball Coach Dan Hurley Denies Bumping Ref in Ejection

Hurley was ejected late in UConn's loss to Marquette, but claims he did not make physical contact with the official.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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UConn head coach Dan Hurley was ejected late in his team's loss to Marquette on Saturday, but he denies that he physically bumped the referee before being tossed from the game. Hurley acknowledged that he let his emotions get the better of him, but he insists he did not make contact with the official.

Why it matters

Hurley has developed a reputation as a hot-headed coach who is not afraid to get into confrontations with officials. This latest incident could result in another post-game fine for the UConn coach, who has been punished for his hostility toward referees in the past.

The details

With UConn trailing by two points and 0.4 seconds remaining, Hurley got into a heated argument with referee John Gaffney after a no-call on a potential game-tying layup attempt by UConn guard Silas Demery Jr. Hurley was then given a double technical foul and ejected from the game, allowing Marquette to seal the victory at the foul line.

  • The incident occurred with 0.4 seconds remaining in the game on March 7, 2026.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, known for his fiery demeanor and confrontations with officials.

John Gaffney

The referee who ejected Dan Hurley from the game after a heated argument over a no-call late in the contest.

Silas Demery Jr.

The UConn guard who missed a potential game-tying layup in the final seconds, leading to the confrontation between Hurley and the referee.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think I bumped the ref.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Basketball (CT Insider)

What’s next

The Big East conference is likely to review the incident and determine if Hurley will face any additional disciplinary action, such as a fine or suspension, for his actions.

The takeaway

This incident highlights Hurley's reputation for being a fiery and confrontational coach, which has led to issues with officials in the past. While he denies making physical contact with the referee, his ejection and the potential for further punishment underscore the need for coaches to maintain their composure, even in the heat of a close game.