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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked 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 different setting.”

Track Record of Success

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

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 developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for their replacements has begun, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.