Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of 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 debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition 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 Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
