Air Force, suspended coach Joe Scott part ways

The Air Force Academy and Scott announced they had mutually parted ways after an investigation into his treatment of student-athletes.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Air Force Academy and suspended basketball coach Joe Scott announced they had mutually parted ways on Friday. Scott was suspended on Jan. 17 as Air Force launched an investigation into his treatment of student-athletes. Air Force athletic director Nathan Pine said it was the right time for a 'new voice and a new approach' to lead the men's basketball program.

Why it matters

This move comes after a difficult season for the Air Force basketball team, which has struggled with a 3-23 record and 0-15 conference mark. The parting of ways with Scott, who had two tenures as head coach, signals a shift in the program's direction as they look to rebuild and align with the Academy's mission.

The details

Jon Jordan has been serving as interim head coach since Scott's suspension. The Falcons have dropped all nine games under Jordan and 19 in a row since a win over IU Indianapolis on Nov. 23. Scott previously led Air Force to a 22-7 record, a Mountain West Conference title, and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2003-04, earning MWC Coach of the Year honors that season.

  • Scott was suspended on Jan. 17, 2026.
  • The announcement of Scott and Air Force parting ways came on Feb. 21, 2026.

The players

Joe Scott

Suspended basketball coach who had two tenures as head coach of the Air Force Academy, leading the team to a conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2003-04.

Nathan Pine

Athletic director of the Air Force Academy who announced the parting of ways with Scott, citing the need for a 'new voice and a new approach' to lead the men's basketball program.

Jon Jordan

Interim head coach of the Air Force basketball team since Scott's suspension.

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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. 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. We thank Coach Scott for his 10 years of service to the Academy and wish him and his family well.”

— Nathan Pine, Athletic Director, Air Force Academy (statenews.net)

“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 (statenews.net)

What’s next

Air Force hosts UNLV on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The takeaway

This parting of ways between Air Force and coach Joe Scott signals a shift in the direction of the men's basketball program, as the Academy looks to align the team's culture and success with its broader mission of developing leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force.