Air Force Dismisses Basketball Coach Joe Scott After Investigation

Scott's 'competitive and direct coaching style' no longer aligns with the academy's mission, says athletic director.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Air Force Academy has parted ways with men's basketball coach Joe Scott, a month after he was suspended pending an investigation into his treatment of cadets. The school described it as a 'mutual parting of ways,' with assistant coach Jon Jordan serving as interim coach during the probe.

Why it matters

The dismissal of a high-profile coach like Scott at a military institution like the Air Force Academy raises questions about the balance between demanding athletic performance and upholding the academy's core values of character development. The investigation into Scott's treatment of cadets suggests concerns over the program's culture and leadership.

The details

Scott, who previously led the Falcons from 2000-2004, returned to Air Force in 2020 but struggled, going 47-129 over the past three seasons. The academy said Scott's 'competitive and direct coaching style' no longer aligned with the school's mission of 'forging leaders of character' for the Air Force and Space Force.

  • Joe Scott was suspended in January 2026 pending an investigation.
  • Air Force announced Scott's departure on February 21, 2026.

The players

Joe Scott

Former head coach of the Air Force men's basketball team, who was dismissed after an investigation into his treatment of cadets.

Jon Jordan

Assistant coach who served as interim head coach during the investigation of Joe Scott.

Nathan Pine

Athletic Director at the Air Force Academy who announced the 'mutual parting of ways' with Joe Scott.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Scott's passion for the game of basketball has long been evident in his competitive and direct coaching style. It was this coaching style that guided Air Force Basketball to some of the program's most memorable achievements during his initial tenure at the Air Force Academy.”

— Nathan Pine, Athletic Director, Air Force Academy (mymotherlode.com)

“This is a different day, and now is the right time for a new voice and a new approach to drive the culture and success of the men's basketball program, aligned with the Air Force Academy's mission of forging leaders of character developed to lead in our Air Force and Space Force.”

— Nathan Pine, Athletic Director, Air Force Academy (mymotherlode.com)

“I thank Nate Pine for his leadership. The Air Force Academy gave me my first head coaching opportunity and I am forever grateful. We will always be fans of Air Force Basketball.”

— Joe Scott (mymotherlode.com)

What’s next

The Air Force Academy will begin a search for a new head coach to lead the men's basketball program and align it with the institution's core values.

The takeaway

The dismissal of Coach Joe Scott highlights the delicate balance military academies must strike between demanding athletic excellence and upholding the character development of their cadets. The Air Force Academy is seeking a new leader who can restore the program's culture and success while fully embodying the academy's mission.