England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
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 announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements is now underway, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the future.