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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.

Club Context

Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.