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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as 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 inaugural two seasons in the premier 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 been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.

Club Context

The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.