Fred Williams Not Returning as GM/Head Coach of the Dream

ATLANTA, October 18, 2013 - The Atlanta Dream has decided not to renew the contract of general manager/head coach Fred Williams for the 2014 season. Williams, whose contract runs through Nov. 30, will move to a consultant position as the team transitions to a new head coach and general manager.

"Coach Williams has been an instrumental part of our success since the team's inception, and although we have decided to move in a different direction, we appreciate Fred's dedicated service and ensuring that the Dream remained among the top teams in the WNBA," said Atlanta Dream co-owners Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler. "He is a great teacher of the game, and is well respected by his peers."

During his tenure as head coach, Williams led the Dream to a 24-20 regular season record and a 5-6 playoff record, including a trip to the 2013 WNBA Finals. He was promoted from assistant coach to general manager/head coach in August 2012, midway through the season, and signed a one-year contract in December 2012. He has been on staff with the Dream since the team's first season in 2008. Previously, he served as head coach of the Utah Starzz and assistant coach of the Charlotte Sting.

"I've enjoyed helping build this franchise from day one, and I expect the Dream to continue to be one of the elite organizations in the WNBA," Williams said.

The three-time Eastern Conference Champion Atlanta Dream is in its sixth season as part of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Dream has qualified for the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season, including back-to-back conference titles in 2010 and 2011. Tickets for the 2014 Atlanta Dream season can be purchased by calling (877) 977-7729 or visiting www.AtlantaDream.net.