Columbia University At Teachers College, Support Position interview questions

I had one phone interview, and a promise made to come in-person; then, was asked for references (phone numbers, email)...references were contacted for on phone interviews. Was able to discuss with one of my references what was asked; interviewer kept pressing them to say something negative about me..was then contacted by the interviewer and told they were going with another candidate; then had to tell my references I was not hired...which I'm afraid now makes them wonder why, which may hurt in future job interview situations. Also, the interviewer was puzzled why I wanted to get a more advanced position.