England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
