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In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure 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 the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.