The Atlanta Dream have turned to the college ranks for their next head coach. hiring longtime Florida Gulf Coast women’s coach Karl Smesko.
He is leaving Florida Gulf Coast immediately, two games into the new season.
“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.”
Smesko’s offenses are designed around 3-point shooting, and Florida Gulf Coast set the record for threes on a season with 431 in 2017-18.
Smesko, 54, spent 23 years at the school and oversaw its rise from Division II. With the Eagles, his record was 611-110 (.847), and he led the team to 14 Atlantic Sun Conference regular-season titles and 10 NCAA Tournaments. His program posted 25 wins in 14 consecutive seasons, a feat matched only by the UConn women.
“I am humbled and honored to be the head coach of the Atlanta Dream,” Smesko said. “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.”
In Atlanta, he replaces Tanisha Wright, who was fired last month after three seasons.
The Dream posted a 15-25 record in 2024 and were swept in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year, this time by eventual WNBA champion New York Liberty. Wright was 48-68 overall with the Dream.
Florida Gulf Coast president Aysegul Timur praised Smesko for his accomplishments on the court as well as the way he conducted himself off of it.
“Coach Smesko’s legacy at FGCU is not just about winning games,” Timur said. “It’s about the students and employees he has mentored along the way, providing them with opportunities for growth and success on and off the court. Now, it’s his turn to soar, and we are so proud of him.”
Longtime associate head coach Chelsea Lyles was named the second head coach in the history of the program. A 2010 graduate of Florida Gulf Coast, Lyles played for Smesko and has been associated with the program for 16 years.
“Chelsea will do an outstanding job,” Smesko said. “There couldn’t be anybody more ready for this opportunity.”
The Eagles are 0-2 to start the season.
–Field Level Media
