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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 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 first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory 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 former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.