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,

Karl Smesko has become synonymous with a unique style of offensive basketball over the past two decades at Florida Gulf Coast. He prioritizes efficiency to the nth degree and coaches his players to get the best possible shots, whether they are layups with an advantage, catch-and-shoot 3s, or anything uncontested from an optimal spot on the floor.

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.

Atlanta Dream hire Florida Gulf Coast's Karl Smesko as new head coach.

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,

Revere High School graduate Karl Smesko is leaving Florida Gulf Coast to coach the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Smesko has 672 wins as a college coach.

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.