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Dan Hurley Bracing for Punishment Over Behavior With Referee

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Manhaz Muntaha | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 4:21 PM ET

Head coach Dan Hurley is known for losing his cool on the UConn Huskies sideline. He’s been penalized for shouting at officials and famously criticized the refs after losing to the Florida Gators in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

There was even an unconfirmed rumor in January about a suspension following a game against Providence. While he’s always stayed on the court in the past, Saturday night in Milwaukee could change that.

After the Huskies lost their final regular-season game to the Marquette Golden Eagles, the 53-year-old coach again lost his cool. With one second left and the Huskies down by four, Silas Demary Jr. was hit while driving to the basket, but the refs didn't whistle a foul in the Huskies' 68-62 loss.

The head coach immediately charged head-on at referee John Gaffney, earning a double technical and an immediate ejection. Sports reporter Seth Davis thinks Hurley made physical contact with the official and now can face a potential suspension that could keep him off the bench for the postseason.

Dan Hurley EJECTED as UConn loses at Marquette pic.twitter.com/kyeunhSSqI
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 7, 2026

Davis wrote, "There was contact between Hurley and ref John Gaffney. Big East office is going to have to take a real hard look at that."

On3 reporter Derek Young also reported, "Guessing a suspension will accompany that ejection for Dan Hurley. Can't make contact with an official."

Under Big East protocol, physical contact with an official is a serious violation that can lead to a multi-game suspension and a fine, depending on a conference review. However, the timing is quite critical because the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament begins this Wednesday.

Marquette improved their record to 12-19 following this close victory. It is worth noting that before this match, they were an absolute underdog to win against the Huskies.

Meanwhile, dropping to 27-4, UConn missed a chance at a share of the Big East regular-season title. And if the situation gets worse, then Hurley may need to watch the quarterfinals from the stands.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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