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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 National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

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 finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League 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 ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

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

The Task Ahead

The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a key role 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 progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.