Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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. Making the move alongside her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

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 slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.