England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The California side had a mixed 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 outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the future.
