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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced 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.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side had 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.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway 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.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.