UConn Coach Dan Hurley Says Viral Headbutt Of Ref Was A ‘Misunderstanding’

UConn head coach Dan Hurley addressed his interaction with referee Roger Ayers.

After Braydon Mullins hit a three-pointer to give UConn the lead with 0.4 seconds left, Hurley was seen bumping heads with Ayers before walking back to his bench. For many, it was unclear why this happened and if it meant anything.

Hurley told ESPN that he thought Ayers was looking to chest-bump him after the shot. This explains why no technical foul was called. Normally, making contact with referees results in a technical foul.

Ayers also confirmed the story. Seth Greenberg of ESPN contacted Ayers to ask him about the incident. It was so forgettable, Ayers reportedly didn’t even know what Greenberg was talking about at first.

One reason this incident turned heads is that Hurley has a history of arguing with referees.

In February, he was ejected from a game against Marquette after making contact with referee John Gaffney. However, this time it turned out to be nothing more than a misunderstanding. 

Hurley started his coaching career in 2010 with Wagner. He went 25-6 in his second season with the team and was hired by Rhode Island. He made the NCAA Tournament in his last two seasons with Rhode Island. 

UConn hired Hurley before the 2018-19 season. They missed the tournament for two straight years under former head coach Kevin Ollie. It took Hurley a couple of years to rebuild the program, but by 2020-21, they were back in the NCAA Tournament.

UConn won back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. Future NBA starters Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle were vital parts of the championship teams. 

UConn will play Illinois in the Final Four on April 4. The winner of this game will play the winner of the Michigan-Arizona game on April 4.