England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed 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 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions 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.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
