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In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.