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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

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. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy 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 inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.