🔗 Share this article

In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches 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 NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

Club Context

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling 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 time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.