Image: USA Today

UConn Coach Dan Hurley Explains Forehead Bump With Ref; Ayers Omitted From Final Four

31 March, 2026.Sports.10 sources

Key Takeaways

Hurley said the official intended to chest-bump him to celebrate.
Hurley pressed his forehead against referee Ayers at the game's end.
The NCAA did not include Ayers among Final Four referees.

Hurley Explains Interaction

Hurley explained the viral moment where he pressed foreheads with official Roger Ayers.

“Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC”

CT Insider

Hurley said he thought Ayers was coming over to chest bump to celebrate the shot.

CT Insider

He described Ayers as an easy guy to work with and said they had shared jokes and laughter.

Ayers Downplays Incident

Ayers downplayed the interaction, saying nothing happened.

No technical foul was assessed on the play.

ESPN

The NCAA omitted Ayers from the Final Four crew.

Hurley-Ayers Relationship

Hurley emphasized their positive working relationship.

“The NCAA did not include veteran official Roger Ayers among the referees selected to work the men’s Final Four, a decision announced Monday that follows a widely circulated interaction with UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley”