Fran McCaffery ejected from Big Ten Tournament game vs. Illinois

Iowa will be without its coach for the rest of the way in Indianapolis. Fran McCaffery was ejected with 13:33 remaining in the second half after receiving two technical fouls. One of the calmer ejections, at least from a body language standpoint, you will ever see.

McCaffery was T’d up by an official as Iowa was beginning an offensive possession. Both hands were inside his pockets, presumably speaking to the officials. After the call was made, emotions began to elevate.

A few choice words then came out of McCaffery’s mouth, potentially saying “f****** b***s***” toward another official. Shortly after, the second technical was assessed and he was officially tossed from the game.

McCaffery then made his way down the tunnel, turning over duties to an assistant coach. You can check out the full sequence for yourself here.

Fran McCaffery EJECTED 😳 pic.twitter.com/MWSA4u76kb

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 14, 2025

Iowa was only down nine points at the time, with color commentator Robby Hummel believing the game was still in reach. Illinois made all four free throws since there was two technical fouls called. The lead quickly expanded to 13.

“Fran can’t get another one, this game is still very much in reach,” Hummel said as the moment unfolded. “He must have said the magic words. But looks like Fran wants to have some more. Oh, there it is. Such a mistake… A nine-point game, this is still winnable for Iowa.”

This has not been the best season for Iowa. They do not find themselves in the NCAA Tournament conversation after finishing the regular season one game over .500 and 7-13 in Big Ten play. If there was going to be any kind of run to March Madness, cutting down the nets on Sunday is likely required.

Because of the ejection, that may have been the lasting image of McCaffery’s time at Iowa. Rumors have been flying about the future as the head coach could be on his way out. Nothing has been made official by the school but somebody else could be in charge starting this offseason.

McCaffery will have questions to answer during his postgame press conference. Not just about his ejection but most likely the future too, pending the campaign ending with no at-large bid on Selection Sunday.

His team will now attempt to battle back and advance to the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. UCLA is on the other side waiting for whoever winds up a winner Thursday night.