England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.

Club Context

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have 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 earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen 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 successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.