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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win 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 England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Player Progression

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

The search for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.