Air Force Basketball Parts Ways with Joe Scott After Second Stint

The Air Force Falcons have officially announced the departure of head basketball coach Joe Scott. The decision, made public on Friday via the athletic department, follows an indefinite suspension last month while an internal investigation examined his treatment of cadet-athletes.

Scott, a two-time head coach of the Falcons, returned to the Academy in 2016 after previously guiding the program from 2000 to 2004. While his initial stint culminated in an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004, his second tenure struggled to reach similar heights, leading to scrutiny both on and off the court.

Athletic director Nathan Pine praised Scott’s competitive nature and contributions over a decade of service but emphasized the need for a fresh voice. “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,” Pine said.

Scott offered a final statement to the Falcons community, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program. “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,” he said.

1. Career Overview

Joe Scott’s second tenure at Air Force spanned six seasons, from 2016 through 2026. During that time, the program struggled to achieve consistent success, finishing with a 46-120 record overall. His most successful season was 2022-23, when the Falcons won 14 games. Including both stints at Air Force, Scott’s overall record with the program stands at 97-183, with a 36-119 mark in Mountain West Conference play. His first tenure remains a highlight, highlighted by the 2004 NCAA Tournament appearance that remains a high point in Falcons basketball history. Between his Air Force stints, Scott coached at Princeton (2004-2007) and the University of Denver (2007-2016), gaining experience at multiple levels of collegiate basketball. Those stops shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing discipline, structure, and offensive efficiency. Despite his prior successes, Scott was unable to replicate postseason results in his second tenure, leaving the Falcons searching for a new leader capable of elevating the program in both performance and culture.

2. Struggles on the Court

The Falcons have endured a difficult 2025-26 season, currently holding a 3-23 overall record and a winless 0-15 mark in Mountain West Conference play. The team has lost 19 consecutive games, leaving them at the bottom of the conference standings. Scott’s teams often struggled to generate consistent scoring and defensive efficiency, challenges that compounded over the past six seasons. Despite efforts to rebuild through recruiting and player development, the program was unable to return to postseason contention. The record reflects both the competitive nature of the Mountain West and the difficulties inherent in maintaining a program at a service academy, where academic and military commitments can impact player availability and performance. With the season nearing its conclusion, the Falcons are focused on finding ways to end the campaign on a positive note, even as the coaching search begins.

3. Looking Ahead

Air Force will look to regroup and find leadership that can reset both culture and performance in the men’s basketball program. The search for a new head coach will likely focus on someone who can blend discipline with player development while instilling a winning mindset. The immediate challenge for the team is its upcoming matchup against the UNLV Rebels on Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. ET at home. Ending the season on a competitive note will provide a foundation for the next coach and help the current roster build confidence for the future. The Falcons’ program faces the dual task of improving on-court performance while ensuring that team culture aligns with the Academy’s mission of developing leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force. Leadership both on and off the court will be critical in the months ahead. Even in the midst of a difficult season, the players and staff have an opportunity to demonstrate resilience, set a standard for future campaigns, and honor the traditions of Air Force basketball as the program transitions to a new era.