Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.