England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
