The Atlanta Dream hired longtime Florida Gulf Coast coach Karl Smesko to lead the team on Wednesday.

Smesko has made Florida Gulf Coast a perennial NCAA Tournament team and has the third-highest winning percentage (.829) in women’s college basketball during her 23 years at the school. The Eagles are one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country every year. They have made 300 or more 3-pointers in 15 consecutive seasons, including setting the NCAA record with 431 in 2018.

“Karl is a proven leader with a history of developing his players and creating a winning culture,” said Dream general manager Dan Padover. “His fast, innovative style of play will be attractive to our players and fans. We are excited to have Karl bring his incredible basketball IQ to the dream.”

Smesko, 54, will join the franchise later this month.

Atlanta went 15-25 this year and needed to win its last few games to make the playoffs. There is a strong young core with Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray leading the way, as well as veteran center Tina Charles. The Dream have not had a winning record since the 2018 season.

“This is an exciting time for our fans, the city of Atlanta and the entire Dream organization,” said Atlanta Dream owner Larry Gottesdiener. “A great basketball spirit is coming to our city. Karl’s passion and commitment to women’s basketball brings out the best in everyone around him. I am confident that we have found the right leader to take our organization to the next level.

The dream licensed former coach Tanisha Wright last month after Atlanta fell in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.

Atlanta was one of a record seven coaching openings in the WNBA this offseason. Three have now been filled with Stephanie White goes to Indiana And Ty Marsh takes over in Chicago. Washington, Dallas, Los Angeles and Connecticut still have vacancies.

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