Air Force wrestling coach Sam Barber is leaving his post after 18 years and will instead help lead strategic initiatives across the academy’s athletic department.

Barber helped Air Force to NCAA top-25 finishes in 2023 (18^th), 2024 (21^st) and 2026 (25^th) and guided three All-Americans.

It was under Barber that the Falcons landed Wyatt Hendrickson, a heavyweight who twice finished third in the NCAA championships for Air Force and then captured a national championship as a graduate transfer with Oklahoma State.

Of Air Force’s 33 national qualifiers under Barber, 13 occurred over the past five seasons.

“Our responsibility has always extended far beyond wins and losses,” Barber said in a statement. “Success at the academy is measured by the quality of officer and leader our cadet-athletes become. Wrestling has simply been the vehicle to help develop discipline, resilience, humility, teamwork and servant leadership.”

In his new position, Barber will work with coaches, administrators, faculty, military leadership, alumni, donors and campus partners to strengthen leadership development systems, improve organizational effectiveness, enhance communication and collaboration and support strategic initiatives across the department.

“This opportunity allows me to continue the work that has always inspired me most — developing people,” Barber said. “Coaching wrestling at the Air Force Academy has been the greatest honor of my life. Every day, we had the opportunity to help shape young men into officers of character who will serve something greater than themselves. I am grateful for every cadet-athlete, coach, alumnus, donor and family who has been part of that journey, and I look forward to serving our entire department as we continue pursuing excellence in developing leaders for our Air Force, Space Force and nation.”