England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed 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 challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.