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Air Force Academy Today
By the People, for the People
Air Force Ends Joe Scott's Tenure as Basketball Coach
The school was investigating Scott's treatment of cadets before the mutual parting of ways.
Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:12am
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The Air Force Academy has announced that Joe Scott is no longer the head coach of the men's basketball team, a month after he was suspended pending an investigation into his treatment of cadets. The school described it as a 'mutual parting of ways' and said it was time for a 'new voice and a new approach' to lead the program.
Why it matters
The dismissal of a high-profile college basketball coach due to issues with player treatment highlights the increasing scrutiny on the culture and conduct within athletic programs, especially at service academies where character development is a core mission.
The details
Joe Scott had two stints as the head coach of Air Force basketball, first from 2000-2004 and then returning in 2020. During his tenure, the Falcons had some of their most successful seasons, including a 22-7 record and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004. However, the team has struggled in recent years, going just 47-129 since Scott's return. The school cited a need for a new approach and culture aligned with the Air Force Academy's mission as the reason for the change.
- On January 20, 2026, Joe Scott was suspended by the Air Force Academy pending an investigation into his treatment of cadets.
- On February 21, 2026, the Air Force Academy announced that Joe Scott and the school had mutually parted ways.
The players
Joe Scott
The former head coach of the Air Force basketball team, who had two stints leading the program from 2000-2004 and 2020-2026.
Nathan Pine
The Athletic Director at the Air Force Academy who announced the school's decision to part ways with Joe Scott.
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
“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
“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
What’s next
The Air Force Academy will begin a search for a new head coach to lead the men's basketball program and help establish a culture aligned with the school's mission.
The takeaway
The dismissal of Joe Scott highlights the increasing emphasis on player treatment and program culture at the collegiate level, especially at service academies where character development is paramount. The Air Force Academy is seeking a new coach who can foster an environment that supports the school's mission of developing leaders of character.
