The Atlanta Dream hired Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball coach Karl Smesko as its next head coach, the WNBA franchise announced Wednesday.

The Atlanta Dream are the latest WNBA team to make a new coaching hire this offseason, and in a surprise twist they've lured Florida Gulf Coast's Karl Smesko from the collegiate ranks. Smesko's departure is a major blow to FGCU,

The Atlanta Dream managed to do what many other teams have tried over the years. They lured Karl Smesko away from Florida Gulf Coast University.

The Atlanta Dream have hired longtime Florida Gulf Coast coach Karl Smesko to lead the team. Smesko built Florida Gulf Coast into a perennial NCAA Tournament team and has the third highest winning percentage in women’s college basketball.

The Atlanta Dream have hired Karl Smesko as head coach, the team announced on Wednesday. Smesko replaces Tanisha Wright, who was fired earlier this month after three seasons in charge. “Karl is a proven leader with a history of developing his players and creating a winning culture,

Karl Smesko, who built the Eagles into a mid-major powerhouse, is leaving the Eagles after 23 seasons to become the head coach with the Atlanta Dream.