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Air Force Academy Today
By the People, for the People
Air Force Hires New Basketball Coach Promising 'Fast, Fearless and Free' Play
Joe Crispin brings an aggressive, up-tempo style to the Falcons' program as he aims to return the team to the NCAA Tournament.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:23pm
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The Air Force Academy has hired Joe Crispin as its new head men's basketball coach, with Crispin promising an aggressive, fast-paced style of play that he believes will energize the team and its fanbase. Crispin, a former Penn State assistant, said he wants the Falcons to play 'fast, fearless and free' as he looks to turn around a program that finished last in the Mountain West Conference last season.
Why it matters
Air Force men's basketball has struggled in recent years, finishing last in its conference last season. The hiring of Crispin, who has a reputation for an exciting, up-tempo style of play, is seen as a way to reenergize the program and reconnect with the local community and fanbase.
The details
Crispin was officially introduced as Air Force's new head coach at a press conference on Tuesday. He emphasized that while he can't promise wins every night, he does promise the Falcons won't be 'boring' to watch. Crispin wants to bring an aggressive, pressing style of defense that will lead to more scoring opportunities, saying 'the game shouldn't stop' and that 'reset is a curse word in basketball.' The new coach believes this style of play can help the team connect with the local community and get fans excited about the program again.
- Joe Crispin was named Air Force's new head coach on March 18, 2026.
- Crispin was officially introduced to the community at a press conference on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The players
Joe Crispin
The new head coach of the Air Force men's basketball team, who previously served as an assistant coach at Penn State. Crispin is known for his up-tempo, aggressive coaching style and wants to bring an exciting brand of basketball to the Falcons.
Nathan Pine
The Director of Athletics at the Air Force Academy, who announced Crispin's hiring as the new head men's basketball coach.
What they’re saying
“I can't promise we'll win every night, but I do promise you we won't be boring.”
— Joe Crispin, Head Coach, Air Force Men's Basketball
“One of the coolest things about the game is the way it can connect and inspire people. To me, basketball isn't about grinding out wins; it's about getting you on your feet. It's about getting people to say 'wow.'”
— Joe Crispin, Head Coach, Air Force Men's Basketball
“I'm excited to go to men's basketball games again. I missed about half of them this year because I just couldn't watch them anymore. We have good kids out there playing, and the fact that he is going to let them play is awesome.”
— Nancy Barber, Season Ticket Holder
What’s next
Crispin will now begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to implement his up-tempo, aggressive style of play at Air Force.
The takeaway
Crispin's hiring represents a fresh start for Air Force men's basketball, as the program looks to reconnect with its fanbase and compete for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. His commitment to an exciting, fast-paced style of play has generated optimism that the Falcons can become a must-watch team in the Mountain West Conference.
