I heard a great comeback! The coach asked the official "How could you see that call from 50 feet away"!
Answer "I can see the sun, and it is 93 million miles away"!

AK ref SE

Hopefully...
 

the official saying this already knew the coach! Smart-assed comments do NOT seem to go very far in my opinion...but one at the right time in the right situation...between the right two parties...might break the tension.

Young refs, tread carefully!!

Indy-
You are correct! Timing is everything!! and a comment may work for you..... and your partner in the same game could be screamed at for the same comment.

AK ref SE

Here's one from where I live. Happened quite a few years ago, apparantly.

A former OUA (Ontario University Athletics) official (so, he was quite capable) was doing a boys high school (varsity level for you US residents) game and was getting the gears from one of the coaches. After reporting a foul, and instead of going to the trail position, proceeded to go over to the coach in question, and sat down beside him. He actually reffed from there for two trips up the floor. The coach asked him what he was doing and the official replied akin to, "This seems to be the spot for the best looks on the floor, I may as well be here."

And, it worked!

This sounds familiar...Dave?