GREEN BAY – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay chancellor Michael Alexander confirmed May 18 the university and men’s basketball coach Linc Darner have decided to part ways.
Darner completed his head coaching career for the Phoenix with a 92-80 overall record in five seasons.
In 2015-16, he led Green Bay to the NCAA Tournament in his first season, snapping a 20-year program drought after his team captured the Horizon League Tournament championship.
Darner led the Phoenix to a 51-39 record in league play during that time, finishing in the top four of the standings in four of his five seasons.
“I would like to thank former chancellor Gary Miller and former athletic director Mary Ellen Gillespie for giving me the opportunity to coach at Green Bay,” said Darner. “I would like to thank my staff, recruits and all current and former players who helped us make the NCAA Tournament and having the most up-tempo offense in the country. Most importantly, I’m proud to have graduated my players at an extremely high rate, including two perfect APR (Academic Progress Rate) scores, which was never done before at Green Bay. I cannot wait to advance my career as a head basketball coach and am looking forward to new opportunities.”
Alexander said he wishes nothing but the best for Darner.
“We appreciate the leadership of Coach Darner and his focus on coaching and mentoring the outstanding student-athletes that have been part of this program during his tenure as head coach,” he said. “We are a Division I university and remain committed to continuing the legacy of our outstanding Division I athletic program in the future.”
Darner coached eight individuals who garnered all-league honors during his tenure.
“We sincerely thank Coach Darner for his service and strong commitment to our student-athletes here at UW-Green Bay and to the Green Bay community over the past five years,” said athletics director Charles Guthrie. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”