WNBA's Atlanta Dream hires Florida Gulf Coast's Karl Smesko as head coach
Nov. 13 (UPI) - The Atlanta Dream hired Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball coach Karl Smesko as its next head coach, the WNBA franchise announced Wednesday.
"I am humbled and honored to be the head coach of the Atlanta Dream," Smesko said in a news release. "I am grateful for a remarkable 23 years at FGCU and will be forever indebted to the amazing women who have played for me, the incredible professionals who have coached with me, and the passionate fanbase who supported us along the way.
"I'm thankful to the leadership of the Atlanta Dream for their faith in me to lead this organization into the future and can't wait to get started."
Smesko led the Eagles to a 479-89 record from the 2007-08 campaign through 2023-24. The Eagles lost their first two games this season. They reached the NCAA Tournament 10 times during Smesko's tenure. He is a 13-time A-Sun Coach of the Year Award winner. The Eagles won at least 25 games each year from 2008-2009 through 2023-24.
"Karl is a proven leader with a history of developing his players and creating a winning culture," Dream general manager Dan Padover said. "His fast-paced, innovative style of play will be attractive to our players and fans alike.
"We are excited to have Karl bring his incredible basketball IQ to the Dream."
The Dream fired coach Tanisha Wright in October. Wright led the Dream to a 48-68 record over three seasons. They went 15-25 last season, finishing as the No. 8 team in the standings and earning the final playoff slot. They lost to the top-seeded New York Liberty - the eventual WNBA champions - in the first round.
"This is an exciting moment for our fans, the city of Atlanta, and the entire Dream organization," Dream majority owner Larry Gottesdiener said. "A great basketball mind is coming to our city. Karl's passion for and commitment to women's basketball bring out the best in everyone around him.
"I am confident we have found the right leader to take our organization to the next level."
Florida Gulf Coast announced that Eagles assistant head coach Chelsea Lyles will take over as coach.
"There is joy and sadness with the departure of Karl Smesko," Eagles athletic director Colin Hargis said. "As the founding head coach of our women's basketball program, Karl has led this team to national prominence. He orchestrated the rise of a start-up to a destination program.
"I am excited for Karl and grateful for his contributions to this department and university. We look forward to seeing what lies ahead and the impact he will make at his next position in the WNBA."
