Indiana University Northwest

Javier Heridia enters his 10th season as head coach of the IU Northwest men’s basketball program, where he has become one of the most accomplished coaches in program history. Since taking the helm in 2016, Heridia has guided the RedHawks to 188 career wins, including five 20-win seasons and three NAIA National Tournament appearances (2022, 2024, 2025). His leadership has elevated the program to championship status, capturing the 2024 CCAC Tournament Title and the 2025 CCAC Regular Season Championship.

The 2024–25 campaign was historic, as IU Northwest posted a 22-8 overall record and 16-4 mark in CCAC play, claiming the program’s first regular season conference title in its NAIA era and earning a third national tournament berth in four years. The team ended the regular season on a six-game winning streak, and standout Trace Williams was named CCAC Men’s Player of the Year, First Team All-CCAC, and NAIA All-American. Dannie Smith earned First Team All-CCAC honors, and Anthony Taylor was named to the Second Team.

In 2023–24, Heridia led the RedHawks to a 21-11 record and the CCAC Tournament Championship, defeating IU South Bend 88-63 in the title game. That season also produced multiple 1,000-point career scorers and an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament.

The 2021–22 season saw IU Northwest go 23-8, win 11 straight games, defeat No. 20 IU South Bend, and make its first NAIA National Tournament appearance. Heridia earned HoopDirt.com National Coach of the Week honors, and Jared Johnson was selected as an NAIA All-American. Heridia reached his 100th career win on Jan. 19, 2022.

Earlier in his tenure, Heridia’s 2018–19 squad went 23-6, upset No. 5 Marian University, and set the program’s single-game scoring record with 125 points. He was named A.I.I. Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year that season. In his first year (2016–17), the RedHawks went 21-13, tied the single-season win record, and ranked second nationally in scoring offense.

Over the years, Heridia has coached several all-conference selections, including A.I.I. Player of the Year Chris Dixon-Williams (2018-19), Rashad Richardson, Armon Williams, Jared Johnson, and Marshuad Watkins. Many of his former players have continued their involvement in athletics as coaches, administrators, and mentors—including some who have returned to assist with the IU Northwest program.

Heridia’s decade-long run has been defined by consistent success, player development, and postseason appearances, firmly establishing IU Northwest as a contender on both the conference and national stages.

A former collegiate player himself, Heridia competed at Saint Joseph’s College before transferring to Calumet College of St. Joseph, where he played two seasons under Nate Pomeday. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management.
Heridia resides in Portage, Indiana, with his wife, Lisa, and their two children, Ava and Jaiden.