Air Force Basketball Coach Joe Scott Leaves Following Investigation

The Air Force Academy and basketball coach Joe Scott have officially ended their relationship after Scott was suspended in January amid an investigation into how he treated players. Scott, who had two separate coaching stints with the Falcons, departs after a disappointing season where the team went 3-23 overall.

The Air Force Academy has officially concluded its relationship with basketball coach Joe Scott following his suspension earlier this year, both parties announced Friday through a mutual agreement.

Scott’s coaching position was put on hold January 17th when academy officials began looking into concerns about how he interacted with his players.

Athletic Director Nathan Pine released a statement acknowledging Scott’s contributions while explaining the decision to move forward with new leadership. “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,” Pine stated. “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.”

Since Scott’s suspension, Jon Jordan has stepped in as the temporary head coach. The Falcons currently hold a disappointing 3-23 overall record and remain winless in Mountain West Conference play at 0-15. Under Jordan’s leadership, the team has lost all nine contests, extending their losing streak to 19 games dating back to their November 23rd victory over IU Indianapolis, which ended 98-85.

Scott’s history with Air Force spans two different periods as head coach. During his first tenure, he led the Falcons to remarkable success in the 2003-04 season, achieving a 22-7 record and capturing the Mountain West Conference championship. That season also marked the program’s inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance. His outstanding performance earned him Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year recognition and placed him fourth in the Associated Press Coach of the Year rankings.

Following his initial four-year run at Air Force from 2000-04, Scott moved on to Princeton University, where he coached for three seasons and compiled a 38-45 record with the Tigers.

Scott then spent nearly a decade leading the University of Denver basketball program from 2007-16. His most successful season there came in 2012-13 when he helped the Pioneers claim a share of the Western Athletic Conference regular-season title.

When Scott returned to Colorado Springs in 2020 for his second tenure with Air Force, success proved more elusive. Throughout his recent four-year stint, he never managed to guide the team to a winning season. The program reached its lowest point during the 2024-25 campaign, finishing with just 4 wins against 28 losses and managing only one conference victory in 19 attempts.

The former Princeton player, who competed for the Tigers from 1983-87, concludes his coaching career with an overall record of 281 wins and 369 losses across all his positions.

In his farewell statement, Scott expressed appreciation for his time at the academy. “I thank Nate Pine for his leadership,” Scott said. “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.”

The Falcons are scheduled to face UNLV at home this Saturday as they continue their challenging season under interim leadership.