Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
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 franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.