Northwestern Oklahoma State has announced the hiring of Robbie Harman as the next men’s basketball coach for the Rangers.
“I believe we have hit a home run with the hiring of Robbie Harman. In a world of driven and self-motivated individuals, Robbie stands out. I am so happy to have Robbie, his wife Mickaela and daughter Stella join the Ranger Family. From a bevy of coaches from all levels of college basketball pursuing this position, Robbie stood out. His basketball IQ and range of experience both as a player and coach, commitment to academics and player development make him a perfect fit for us. We have a strong nucleus of players and his ability to relate with them while helping develop their abilities personally, academically and as basketball players was key. We are very excited to have him lead our program.” stated Director of Athletics Brad Franz.
Prior to being named head coach at Northwestern, Harman has spent the last five years at Davenport University as an assistant coach where he was the team’s defensive coordinator, along with being in charge of recruiting, scouting opponents, academic assistance, team’s social media, and alumni/ fan newsletter. Throughout those five seasons Harman and Davenport accomplished many accolades.
“First I would like to say how truly blessed and honored my family and I are to accept the head coaching position at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. I want to thank President Cunningham, Athletic Director Franz, and everyone I met in Alva for giving me this great opportunity! I look forward to building on what coach Patel has accomplished here the last three years, and can’t wait to get my family moved to the great community of Alva!” stated Robbie Harman on the position.
As a team Davenport led the GLIAC in steals per game along with turnovers forced per game, helping lead to a 10-win improvement from year one to year two at the Division II level. He helped lead the Panthers to two wins over nationally ranked No. 7 Ashland and No. 8 Ferris State. Davenport basketball won its first regular season GLIAC championship from any sport. It also secured the program’s first ever ranking inside the top-25 as the team went as high as eighth before finishing ranked 12th.
Before Harman was at Davenport University he spent a year at Oklahoma City University, two years as a graduate assistant at Central Michigan and one at University of Minnesota Crookston. In his time at Oklahoma City in 2016-2017 Harman helped lead the team to 13-1 start that season, the best in 10 years for the program. They achieved the first 20 win season for Oklahoma City since 2007-2008, was ranked for 18 consecutive weeks in the top 25 going as high as fifth. The team qualified for the NAIA National Tournament. He coached three all-conference players including the Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the year, along with two of his players going professional.
Harman was a two sport athlete in college before he went into coaching. At Central Michigan Harman played four years of baseball and basketball. On the court he was a part of two NCAA Division I MAC West Division Championships. He reached the 1,000 point mark and led the NCAA in three-pointers made per game in 2010 with 3.5 per game. He achieved second team all MAC honors in 2010.
After graduating from Central Michigan the Traverse City native played professional basketball in the Netherlands earning all-league honors that year. Harman graduated from Central Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a Master’s degree in Sports Administration.
Harman will begin his coaching duties at Northwestern immediately.
