Bay FC tab England's Emma Coates as head coach

Bay FC named Emma Coates, most recently the leader of England's Women's Under-23 national team, as its head coach on Thursday.

She replaces Albertin Montoya, who was the coach of the expansion team when it entered the National Women's Soccer League two years ago. He announced in September that he was resigning at the end of the 2025 season.

Coates had led the England team since 2023. It was unbeaten in European league competition in 2023-24.

"Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels of both the domestic and international game. She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for," said Kay Cossington, CEO of Bay Collective. "Emma has consistently demonstrated an ability to bring players and teams to the next level with clarity, care and purpose."

Gemma Davies was named assistant coach. She managed Aston Villa Women in the Barclays WSL and worked with England's Under-19 and Under-23 national teams

Coates, 34, said she is ready to get started.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA (English Football Association)," she said. "It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone at the FA for their trust, support, and belief throughout my journey."

In its first two seasons, the San Jose-based Bay FC finished 11-14-1 (34 points, seventh place) in 2024 and 4-14-8 (20 points, 13th place) in 2025.

--Field Level Media