USAFA — Air Force Academy's Director of Athletics Nathan Pine announced Monday they have parted ways with men's basketball head coach Dave Pilipovich.
The team finished the 2019-2020 season with a 12-20 record, including a 5-13 mark in the Mountain West to finish ninth. The program has had seven straight losing seasons.
Pilipovich took over the program midway through the 2011-2012 season and just completed his eight year as head coach and 13th overall at the Academy.
"Dave has been a tremendous ambassador for our Academy and basketball program. He is a gentle man and a professional and we appreciate all that he has done for Air Force," Pine said. "The bottom line is we have to be more competitive on the court. We entered this season with a senior-laden and talented with with high expectations, unfortunately we did not meet our goals as a program this year. It's clear to me that a change in leadership is necessary at this time for us to move the program forward," Pine said.
Just before the Falcons started their post season on March 4, there were rumors that Pilipovich may be out of a job after the end of the season.
"I am just focused on the team and that's a fair question to ask, but I am just focused on the team," said Pilipovich on March 4. "I am excited about these guys and giving one last run with our seniors."
Seniors Lavelle Scottie and Sid Tomes echoed their coach as well.
"He means a lot to me. He has helped me grow tremendously on the years, on and off the court," said Tomes. "He is the rock behind this program. He leave the outside noise as outside noise. Everyone has something to say. That is just the world we live in."
"I appreciate everything he has done for me," added Scottie. "I do pray that he does keep his job. He keeps coaching and finishes out his contract. You do not want someone to lose their job."
The search for a new head coach is underway.
