Penn State alum, assistant Joe Crispin new head coach at Air Force

The first name to leave Penn State basketball this offseason isn't a player — at least not an active one — but program legend Joe Crispin. It was announced that Crispin, who most recently served as an assistant coach under Mike Rhoades the past three seasons after a memorable playing career for the Nittany Lions in the late 90s, would be the next head coach at Air Force . The news was first reported by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein.

Crispin is credited with building Penn State's offense, which includes the highest-scoring season in program history with 79. 1 points per game during the 2024-25 season. The year before, Penn State's 75.

1 points per game was the highest mark since the 1950s. Penn State honored the program legend with a post on X/Twitter as he heads for Colorado. Congrats to Joe Crispin on being named head coach at Air Force 👏 From wearing the Blue & White to leading from the bench - once a Nittany Lion, always a Nittany Lion 🦁 #WeAre pic.

twitter. com/Z355KSXi5Q — Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) March 18, 2026 This will be Crispin's first Division I head coaching job. The last time he was a head coach was at Division III Rowan University, where in seven seasons, the program won 114 games and two conference titles, as well as earning two NCAA tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 run.