North Park University has secured its new Head Men’s Basketball Coach as Director of Athletics John Born announced today that Robbie Harman will lead the Vikings men’s basketball program. Harman is the 12th head coach in the history of North Park Men’s Basketball.
Harman comes to North Park after serving as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University since 2022. During his tenure, he engineered a significant turnaround for the Rangers, increasing the program’s win total from 11 to 17 victories in just one season. In 2023-24, Northwestern Oklahoma State finished third in the Great American Conference after being selected ninth in the league’s preseason poll. Under Harman’s leadership, the Rangers boasted the conference’s top overall defense while ranking second in overall offense.
“Robbie Harman emerged from an exceptional pool of more than 150 candidates because of his experience, passion for the game, and dedication to the holistic development of student-athletes,” said Born. “He is an outstanding motivator who builds meaningful relationships and inspires those around him to achieve their best. Just as importantly, he shares North Park University’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and our Christian mission of preparing students for lives of significance and service. We are excited about the future of our men’s basketball program under Coach Harman’s leadership.”
Prior to leading Northwestern Oklahoma State, Harman spent five seasons at Davenport University as Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and Recruiting Coordinator. During his time with the Panthers, he helped guide the program to its first-ever GLIAC Championship and NCAA Division II Tournament appearance. Davenport rose as high as No. 8 in the national rankings and finished the season ranked No. 12 in the country. Harman’s defensive systems led the conference in steals and turnovers forced, while several student-athletes earned all-conference honors, including the league’s Player of the Year.
Harman also served as Associate Head Coach at Oklahoma City University during the 2016-17 season. The Stars earned 21 victories, reached the NAIA National Tournament, and spent nine weeks ranked among the top 10 teams in the country. During his tenure, Oklahoma City achieved its first 20-win season in nearly a decade and recorded victories over four nationally ranked opponents.
His coaching journey also includes stops at Central Michigan University as a Graduate Assistant Coach and the University of Minnesota Crookston as First Assistant Coach. At Central Michigan, Harman was part of a staff that guided the Chippewas to a Mid-American Conference championship, a 20-win season, and a postseason berth. At Minnesota Crookston, he oversaw recruiting territories throughout the Midwest while coordinating scouting, travel, and team operations.
“I would like to thank President Surridge, Vice President Scola, Athletic Director John Born, and the entire search committee for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the basketball program at North Park University,” said Harman. “This is such an amazing opportunity for my family, and one we are so blessed to be part of. We are ready and excited to build upon the rich history and proud tradition of North Park University basketball. Go Vikings!”
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.
In addition to his basketball success, Harman was also a member of Central Michigan’s baseball program before continuing his basketball career professionally in the Netherlands with Stepco BSW of the Dutch Basketball League. On the diamond, Harman was part of a MAC Championship team in 2010.
Harman earned both his bachelor’s degree in sport management and master’s degree in sport administration from Central Michigan University.
