Air Force Ends Joe Scott's Run as Basketball Coach

The school cited a mutual decision after an investigation into Scott's treatment of cadets.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Air Force has parted ways with men's basketball coach Joe Scott, the school announced on Friday. The decision comes a month after Scott was suspended pending an investigation into his treatment of cadets. Air Force said it was a 'mutual parting of ways' and that assistant coach Jon Jordan had been serving as the interim coach.

Why it matters

The dismissal of a long-serving coach like Scott is a significant development for the Air Force basketball program, which has struggled in recent years. The investigation into Scott's conduct also raises questions about the culture and environment within the program and the broader academy.

The details

Scott was 97-183 in his two stints as Air Force's head coach, first leading the team from 2000-04 and then returning in 2020. The Falcons have won just 47 games since his return, including only 4 last season. Air Force cited Scott's 'competitive and direct coaching style' as a factor in his departure, saying the academy now needs 'a new voice and a new approach' to align with its mission of developing leaders of character.

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

The players

Joe Scott

The former head coach of the Air Force men's basketball team, who had two stints leading the program from 2000-04 and 2020-2026.

Jon Jordan

The assistant coach who served as the interim head coach of the Air Force men's basketball team during the investigation into Scott.

Nathan Pine

The Athletic Director at the Air Force Academy who announced the decision to part ways with 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 (theheraldreview.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 (theheraldreview.com)

“I thank Nate Pine for his leadership. The Air Force Academy gave me my first head coaching opportunity and I am forever grateful.”

— Joe Scott (theheraldreview.com)

What’s next

The Air Force Academy will now begin a search for a new head coach to lead the men's basketball program and help restore the program's competitiveness and culture.

The takeaway

The dismissal of Joe Scott as Air Force's basketball coach highlights the importance of maintaining a positive culture and environment for student-athletes, even at the highest levels of collegiate sports. The academy's decision to part ways with Scott signals a commitment to aligning the program's leadership with the institution's core values of developing leaders of character.