Linc Darner Named Green Bay's Men's Basketball Head Coach
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Linc Darner, who led Florida Southern College to the 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship, has been named the seventh head coach in the history of the Green Bay men’s basketball program, Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie announced on Tuesday. Darner is a 13-year head coaching veteran with 292 career wins and a career winning percentage of over .700.
Darner will be officially introduced on Wednesday, April 15, at 10 a.m. during a press conference on campus in the Special Events Room at the Kress Events Center. The introductory event will be open to the public and also streamed live on ESPN3.
“From the very start of our process, Linc’s experience as a head coach impressed all of us,” Gillespie said. “He has had tremendous success as a basketball coach and will be an outstanding coach and mentor for our student-athletes. He is a proven winner, and on top of the wins, he runs outstanding programs. After a thorough and comprehensive search process, there is no doubt he is a perfect fit for this institution and our men’s basketball program.”
Darner built a championship program at Florida Southern in his nine seasons at the helm, compiling a record of 218-72. The Moccasins advanced to the NCAA Tournament in eight consecutive seasons (2008-15) and won six Sunshine State Conference regular season and tournament titles.
In 2014-15, Darner’s program posted a 36-1 record and claimed the national championship with a 77-62 victory over Indiana (Pa.) in the title game. Florida Southern was ranked No. 1 in the country, and Darner was recognized as the 2015 NABC Division II National Coach of the Year.
"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity that I have been preparing for since I began my coaching career,” Darner said. “I am honored and grateful to lead the Green Bay Phoenix men's basketball program. Thank you to Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie and Chancellor Gary Miller for giving me the opportunity to build upon the Phoenix foundation and compete for championships. My family and I are excited to make Green Bay our home and we look forward to being a part of the community.”
In his time at Florida Southern, Darner was named the Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year six times. He coached four NABC All-Americans, seven NABC All-South Region selections and 15 All-Sunshine State Conference players.
From 2002-06, Darner was the head coach at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind. Prior to his arrival, the program had only one winning season in eight years, but Darner led the Pumas to a 74-45 overall record. In 2005-06, Darner guided St. Joseph’s to a 31-3 record and a No. 2 national ranking.
Darner has also been an assistant coach at Ashland University (1998-2002), Lincoln Memorial University (1997-98) and Murray State University (1995-97).
An Indiana native, Darner played from 1990-94 at Purdue University, where he was a team captain in 1993-94. During his senior season, Darner helped the Boilermakers to a Big Ten regular season championship and an appearance in the Elite Eight. He graduated from Purdue in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in management.
Darner will be joined in Green Bay by his wife Kristen, their daughter Layne (14) and their son Tate (9).
What They Are Saying About Coach Darner
Pete Meyer, Florida Southern College Director of Athletics: “Congratulations to Linc on his new position at Green Bay. During his time at Florida Southern, Linc build a culture of excellence both academically and athletically, taking our program to new heights. He became the ace of Florida Southern Basketball and we know he is destined for great things. We thank him for all he has done at Florida Southern and wish him the best at Green Bay.”
Dr. Anne Kerr, Florida Southern College President: “Coach Darner achieved our goal of establishing a national championship program. He assisted in attaining our scholar-athlete goals and I have every confidence that he will make an equal contribution to continuing to build the program at Green Bay.”
Barry Collier, Butler University Director of Athletics: “Linc has proven himself as a rising star in the business and has had great success that will translate very well at Green Bay.”
Matt Painter, Purdue University Men’s Basketball Head Coach: “Linc Darner will do an outstanding job at Green Bay. He has been a proven winner at every stop in his career. He will bring an exciting brand of basketball to Green Bay. Great hire!”
Bruce Weber, Kansas State University Head Coach: “Outstanding hire! Linc is a proven winner who comes to Green Bay as a national champion with an impeccable work ethic. He cares about student-athletes and the Green Bay community is gaining a great person. From playing at the highest level to elevating programs everywhere he has been—Linc is a great fit for Green Bay.”
(Release courtesy Green Bay athletics communications)
