England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
