Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 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 led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
