England's Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced 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.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route 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 added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
