England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier 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 end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The California side experienced a contrasting 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 service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
