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In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed 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 debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

Club Context

The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal 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 progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.