Poikola has won three Finnish championship titles as the head coach of Tampereen Pyrintö.

The reason for sacking was that his coaching style was too demanding for a semi-professional team and the players couldn't adjust to the changing of the training culture.

After Kouvot were eliminated in the play-offs, Poikola announced he will not continue with the team next season, but left to India to yoga.

He travelled in Uganda, Myanmar, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka concentrating on his mind control by meditations.

[7][8] On 4 June 2024, Poikola moved to Slovakia after he was named the head coach of BKM Lučenec in Slovak Basketball League.