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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America 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, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first 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 progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.