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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

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

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway 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.

Lasting Legacy

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

Discussions for their replacements has begun, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.