Johnathan Jordan comes to Mount Pulaski with 15 years of experience. He began his coaching career as a Graduate Assistant at the University of South Dakota, before being hired as the Head Swim Coach at Iowa Lakes Community College. At Iowa Lakes, Jordan started the swim program from scratch, building it into a powerhouse with both the men’s and women’s teams becoming NJCAA Runner-Up National Champions. During his tenure, he was named Coach of the Year, received the Jack Scierino Service Award, and served in various roles on the NJCAA Coaching Board.
Jordan then moved to Lincoln College, where he played a crucial role in transitioning the athletic program from NJCAA to NAIA. While at Lincoln, he continued his involvement on the NJCAA board and eventually became President of the NAIA Coaching Board. Under his guidance, Jonathan helped coach two National Champions.
His coaching career also includes significant international experience. While at Iowa Lakes and Lincoln College, he hosted athletes from the Oceania National Olympic Committees, coaching Olympic swimmers from various Oceania countries. He coached for the Marshall Islands, traveling to World Championships, Oceania Championships, Pacific Games, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
After Lincoln College closed, Jordan was hired as Eastern Illinois University’s Swim Coach. Jordan made a significant impact in the past two years. There were 16 school records taken down in his tenure. Not only were his swimmers successful in the pool, but they had academic achievements as well. In both seasons at EIU, his mens and womens teams were recognized as CSCAA Scholar All-American teams. Additionally, he coached Phoebe Croston, a Summit League All-Academic selection, and led the men's team to win the CSCAA Scholar-America Top 10 award in the 2022-23 season, behind Duke and Yale.
Prior to his coaching career, Jordan was a competitive swimmer at Albion College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law. He furthered his education at the University of South Dakota, receiving his master’s in Health and Physical Education. Jordan currently resides in Lincoln with his wife, Dr. Amber Jordan, and their three Huskies (Glacier, Slush, and Frost). He enjoys outdoor activities, especially water and snow sports.