Michael Lyons is returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach for the Air Force men’s basketball team. 

Lyons was a four-year letter winner in basketball at the academy from 2009-13 and ranks fifth all-time in scoring (1,527 points). During his time at Air Force, Lyons led the Falcons in scoring three straight seasons and averaged 17.7 points per game his senior year, which is the most by a Falcon in the Mountain West era. 

“I am very excited to welcome back Michael Lyons to the Academy as an assistant coach,” head coach Joe Crispin said in a press release Thursday. “Mike enjoyed a great playing career here at Air Force and will help our cadets develop as men and players. He loves the Academy and knows what it takes to be successful on and off the court. Our Academy community is all the better for his return!” 

The Newport News, Virginia, native is the only Falcon in the Mountain West era to earn All-Mountain West honors three times, and the last Air Force player to earn first-team All-MW honors (2013). 

One of Lyons’ most notable games was in 2013 against Colorado State, when he scored 45 in an 89-86 loss to the Rams. Lyons’ 45 points are the fifth-most in a game in program history and the most ever in a conference game.

Another was a February 2013 game against No. 22 San Diego State at Clune Arena, when Lyons scored 20 points to help the Falcons upset the Aztecs, 70-67. Crispin mentioned this game in a press conference March 31, saying his brother, Jon, broadcast the game and called it one of the best atmospheres he’s ever experienced.

Following his career at the academy, Lyons went on to play in the NBA G League and served as a United States Air Force acquisitions officer, rising to the rank of captain. 

Lyons later served as associate head coach at the USAFA Prep School before becoming head coach in 2025. He is also the co-founder and program director of Pluto Prospects, a Nike-affiliated basketball program originated in Colorado Springs that has placed more than 80 players at the collegiate level. 

Lyons is the third new staff addition, joining a group that also includes Carson Cunningham (associate head coach) and Eric Brennan (assistant coach).