In 2015, Darner's Florida Southern Moccasins finished 36–1 and won the NCAA Division II National Championship.
[2] Darner was named the 2015 NABC UPS DII National Coach of the Year.
He then went on to Purdue University, where he played four years under legendary Boilermakers head coach Gene Keady.
Darner was named team captain as a senior in 1993–94, leading the Boilers to a Big Ten Conference championship and a trip to the Elite Eight.
Linc's younger brother Tige was also an Indiana All-Star and played collegiate ball at Appalachian State.