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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

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

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.