Joe Scott is out as Air Force basketball coach. The school was investigating his treatment of cadets
#Joe Scott #Air Force basketball #Coach suspension #Cadet treatment #NCAA basketball #Air Force Academy #Coaching investigation #Mutual parting ways
📌 Key Takeaways
- Joe Scott and Air Force Academy mutually parted ways after investigation into cadet treatment
- Scott had two tenures at Air Force with initial success but struggles in his second stint
- The Falcons have struggled recently, losing 19 consecutive games
- Athletic Director cited need for 'new voice and new approach' aligned with academy's mission
📖 Full Retelling
Air Force Academy ended its relationship with basketball coach Joe Scott on February 20, 2026, in Colorado, a month after he was suspended pending an investigation into his treatment of cadets, with the school describing it as 'a mutual parting of ways.' The decision comes amid growing concerns about Scott's coaching style and its alignment with the academy's mission of developing leaders of character. Assistant coach Jon Jordan had been serving as interim coach during the investigation period. Scott's departure marks the end of his second tenure at the Academy, where he initially found success from 2000-04 before returning in 2020. Athletic Director Nathan Pine emphasized that while Scott brought passion and memorable achievements during his first stint, '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.' Scott's second tenure has been challenging, with the Falcons posting a 47-129 record since his return, including just four wins last season and a current 19-game losing streak. In his statement, Scott expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting 'The Air Force Academy gave me my first head coaching opportunity and I am forever grateful,' while affirming continued support for the program.
🏷️ Themes
Coaching Changes, Military Academy Athletics, Leadership Culture
📚 Related People & Topics
College basketball
Amateur basketball played by students of higher education institutions
College basketball is basketball that is played by teams of student-athletes at universities and colleges. In the United States, colleges and universities are governed by collegiate athletic bodies, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercolle...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
Joe Scott's departure marks a significant shift in the Air Force Academy's men's basketball program after a long tenure and a recent investigation into his conduct with cadets. The change reflects the academy's commitment to maintaining a culture of integrity and leadership development.
Original Source
Joe Scott is out as Air Force basketball coach. The school was investigating his treatment of cadets Air Force has ended its run with basketball coach Joe Scott By The Associated Press February 20, 2026, 11:10 PM AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Joe Scott is out as the Air Force basketball coach, the academy said on Friday, a month after he was suspended pending an investigation into his treatment of cadets. The school said it was “a mutual parting of ways.” Assistant coach Jon Jordan had been serving as the interim coach. “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,” Athletic Director Nathan Pine said. “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.” Scott was 97-183 in charge of the Falcons, first leading the team from 2000-04 — a stint that ended with a 22-7 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. After spending time at Princeton, his alma mater, and Denver, he returned to Air Force in 2020. The Falcons are 47-129 since then, winning just four games last season; they have won three so far this year, losing their last 19 in a row. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 20, 4:51 PM The mysterious Nancy Guthrie abduction: A full timeline Feb 19, 8:20 AM Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continues Feb 10, 11:15 PM “I thank Nate Pine for his leadership. The Air Force Academy gave me my first head coaching opportunity and I am forever grateful," Scott said. “We will always be fans of Air Force Basketball.” ___ G...
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