FORT MYERS, Fla.-- Florida Gulf Coast University had a short search for a new men's basketball coach, and they didn't have to look far.
Earlier this week, East Carolina University approved the hiring of FGCU's Joe Dooley as its new head men's basketball coach after five years in Fort Myers.
Just hours later, FGCU scheduled a press conference Thursday to introduce longtime FGCU assistant coach Michael Fly as their new head coach.
Director of Athletics Ken Kavanagh made the announcement. Watch here:
Fly first joined the FGCU staff in 2011. He now takes over a program that won three ASUN championships and made the NCAA tournament 3 times since 2013 under Dooley.
The East Carolina job is Dooley's second stint as the Pirates' head coach. He went 57-52 in four seasons from 1995-99.
Dooley has issued a thank you note to fans and supporters:
FGCU Fans & Supporters,
For the past five years, my family and I have called FGCU and Southwest Florida home. Together, our student-athletes, staff and you – the fans – have helped build FGCU into one of the preeminent mid-major programs in the nation.
The personal and professional decision I made was not an easy one. We have accomplished something very few teams in the country have over the past five years here in Dunk City, and I have no doubt the successes you have witnessed this decade will continue for many more to come. However, this opportunity is in the best interest of my family.
I thank all of you for the opportunity to be your head coach and represent this terrific university. Thank you for filling Alico Arena each game night and making The Nest one of the best home-court atmospheres. FGCU will always hold a special place in our hearts. We'll be rooting for the Eagles every chance we can, and wish them all the best.
Thank you for a great five years.
Coach Dooley, Tanya & Max
