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Linc Darner fired after five seasons as Green Bay head coach

Green Bay and head basketball coach Linc Darner have parted ways after five seasons, the school announced on Monday. Darner was 91-79 overall, winning 20+ games twice and reaching the postseason three times.

“I would like to thank my staff, recruits and all current and former players who helped us make the NCAA Tournament, taking GB the furthest ever in the postseason to the CIT Finals and having the most up-tempo offense in the country,” Darner said in a statement. “Most importantly, I’m proud to have graduated my players at an extremely high rate including two perfect APR scores which was never done before at GB. I cannot wait to advance my career as a head basketball coach and am looking forward to new opportunities.”

On the surface, this move seems like a strange one. Green Bay is a tough job and Darner has been successful since his hiring in 2015 (he was given a one-year contract extension just nine months ago). A mid-May firing without cause is pretty rare, even more so this year given the COVID-19 pandemic that has halted the bulk of firings and hirings across the college basketball landscape.

“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 athletic director Charles Guthrie. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

According to the press release, a national search for Darner’s replacement will begin immediately.

 

credit to Adam Wesley/USA TODAY-Wisconsin for the photo