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In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has 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 promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements has begun, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.