Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.