Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post 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 England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion 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,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge 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 NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part 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 earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
