Purdue University Northwest Athletic Director Rick Costello has named Jordan Ashton as the next head coach for the men’s basketball program.

“On behalf of the Purdue University Northwest Pride, I am excited to announce the appointment of Jordan Ashton as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach,” said Costello. “Jordan is a rising star in the coaching profession, with an impressive basketball background and a proven track record of success at multiple levels,” said, Rick Costello, Director of Athletics.  “His leadership skills will make him an exceptional mentor for our student-athletes. We look forward to Coach Ashton guiding the PNW Pride to excellence in the classroom, on the court and in the community!”

Ashton arrives to Purdue Northwest after serving as head coach of William Woods University for two seasons. This past season, Ashton led the Owls to a record-setting season with a 29-3 overall record and a 17-1 record in the American Midwest Conference (AMC), which were both program single-season records. He notched 2024-25 AMC Coach of the Year honors after leading William Woods to their first-ever AMC Regular Season title and AMC Conference Tournament Championship. During the 24-25 season, he guided the Owls to a program-record 24 consecutive wins, the longest win-streak in the NAIA, and finished ranked nationally #9, the highest ranking in school history. His team also broke numerous single-season and single-game records on the offensive end.

He made more history after leading William Woods to their first-ever NAIA National Tournament win when they defeated No. 15 seed Dillard University, 110-62. His team finished the season ranked fourth nationally in overall defense, fourth in offensive efficiency, and ranked first in rebound margins per game.

In his two seasons as the Owls head coach, Ashton developed and coached 24-25 NAIA Third-Team All-American. 24-25 Bevo Francis Top 100 Player, and 23-24 AMC Newcomer of the Year Francis Okwuosah. Along with four AMC First-Team selections, two AMC Second-Team selections, and 23-24 AMC Defensive Player of the Year, Lavel Harris.

“I am extremely excited, humbled, and grateful to be joining the Purdue Northwest family and serve as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach. I want to thank Chancellor Chris Holford, Director of Athletics Rick Costello, and the rest of the PNW team for their belief in me, and for the opportunity to lead this program,” said Coach Ashton. “I look forward to building strong relationships at the university, within the community, and we look to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the program. These are exciting times with big things happening at PNW, and I’m thankful to be a part of it. Ready to get to work!” 

Prior to his time at William Woods, Ashton spent a season at Iowa Wesleyan where he led the Tigers to the winningest season in the program’s 115-year history, finishing with a 27-3 overall mark for the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Coach of the Year title. His team was ranked as high as #23 in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Poll and won the first conference tournament title since 2011, qualifying for the NAIA National Championship. They had a 20-game win streak through their season and finished with an undefeated 11-0 home record – the best record in school history. The team finished first nationally for overall defense as well. Ashton coached the NAIA All-America Honorable Mention recipient Henry Shannon and three all-conference recipients in Shannon, Gacoby Jones, and Joey Brown. 

Ashton spent the 2021-22 academic year as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota Duluth. During that season, the team earned the most wins in over 50 years in program history and went undefeated with a perfect 13-0 record at home, the first time since the 1990-91 season. The team received their highest national ranking (5th) in school history and earned the title of NSIC North Division Conference Champions. Ashton coached the NSIC North Division Player of the Year and two First-Team NSIC All-Conference players.

As a player, Ashton began his career at Mount Pleasant, Iowa where he led the Mount Pleasant Community High School men’s basketball team to a 3A Iowa State Championship in 2012. Ashton was named 3A Player of the Year, he was a First-Team All-State Selection and State Tournament MVP averaging 18.4 ppg in his senior season. After graduation he attended Northwest Missouri State for two seasons before transferring to Kirkwood Community College. While under the direction of head coach Bryan Peterson, Ashton averaged 16.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 21.6 minutes per game while helping the Eagles to a 25-7 record as a sophomore. Kirkwood ended the year with a #8 ranking in the final NJCAA poll. Ashton was ranked 3rd nationally in free-throw percentage (88%) & 16th in 3-pointers made (82) while connecting on 43.6 percent of his three-point tries. Ashton then competed Iowa State University under the direction of head coach Steve Prohm. While there, the Cyclones reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. In his final season, he played at Northern Iowa as a graduate transfer where led the team in minutes played, three-point percentage, and their third leading scorer.

Ashton earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Iowa State in 2016 and then went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Human Services from Northern Iowa in 2018.

A special thanks to Dr. Kurt Patberg of Mammoth Sports Consulting for his guidance and assistance during the search.

High praise from Ashton’s former coaches:
Justin Wieck – Minnesota Duluth Men’s Basketball Head Coach
“This is a home run hire for Purdue University Northwest. Jordan made an instant impact on our program and it was apparent immediately that he has a bright future as a head coach. His ability to recruit, develop & connect with players is phenomenal. As a head coach, he has built two successful programs and he will do the same for Purdue Northwest. I’m so happy for Jordan and his family for this opportunity at the Division II level.”

Ben Jacobson – Northern Iowa Men’s Basketball Head Coach
“We are really excited for Jordan. He has done a terrific job over the last couple of years as a head coach. Jordan was very competitive and demonstrated a great understanding and feel for the game when he was playing for us. I know Jordan will prioritize player growth and development, will always put the team first and will continue to be a great head coach and mentor for the young men in the program at Purdue Northwest.”

Bryan Petersen – South Dakota State Men’s Basketball Head Coach
“I am super excited for Jordan and his family on his opportunity to become the next head coach at Purdue Northwest. Jordan is a great basketball mind who is a rising star in this business. I loved coaching Jordan at Kirkwood Community College. Even back then, you knew he’d become a great coach in the future. I can’t wait to see what he does taking over the program.”

https://pnwathletics.com/news/2025/4/7/jordan-ashton-named-next-mens-basketball-head-coach.aspx