England's Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
