A new era for North Park basketball
North Park University has appointed Robbie Harman as its new head coach of the men’s basketball program, entrusting him with the task of building on a storied tradition while steering the team toward fresh competitive heights.
Harman arrives after a two‑year stint at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he transformed a program that had posted just 11 wins the previous season into a contender that finished third in the Great American Conference with 17 victories. His emphasis on defense helped the team rank second in offensive efficiency and led the league in steals and forced turnovers.
His coaching journey includes tenures as assistant and defensive coordinator at Davenport University, where the Panthers captured their first GLIAC championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament, as well as a stint as associate head coach at Oklahoma City University, where the Stars won 21 games and reached the NAIA National Tournament. Prior to his coaching career, Harman was a two‑sport athlete at Central Michigan University, earning second‑team all‑MAC honors in basketball and playing professionally in the Dutch Basketball League.
Alignment with North Park’s mission
Harman holds degrees in sport management and sport administration from Central Michigan University and cites the university’s Christian values and commitment to academic excellence as key factors in his decision to join North Park. He expressed enthusiasm about integrating his family’s legacy into the campus community and about developing student‑athletes holistically.
John Born, who served as director of athletics before stepping aside, praised Harman’s blend of tactical acumen and player development, noting that the new coach’s defensive philosophy aligns perfectly with the university’s broader athletic goals.