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In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight 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 league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The club experienced a contrasting 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.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions 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 future.