Photo courtesy of Bay FC
Bay FC have named England U-23 head coach Emma Coates as the club’s new head coach. Coates has been at the helm of the English U-23 side since 2023. She will become the second coach in Bay FC history. Albertin Montoya led the squad through its first two seasons, reaching the playoffs in 2024 before slipping to the bottom of the table this year.
“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,” Kay Cossington, CEO of Bay FC’s ownership group, Bay Collective, said in a statement. “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.”
Coates has also managed England’d U-19 team as well as Doncaster Rovers. She will be joined by Gemma Davies who has also worked with the England U-23s as well as Aston Villa.
“I’m truly honored and super excited to build on the strong foundations that have already been established and to implement a clear identity both on and off the pitch,” Coates said in a statement. “This is a club that has already captured the hearts of so many people in the local community, and it’s a privilege to be part of that journey. From my first conversations with Bay FC, it was clear that the club shares my passion for people, performance, and culture which I believe are fundamental to sustained success. I’m eager to get back on the grass every day, to work closely with the players and staff, and to meet the fans at PayPal Park.”
Coates and Davies remain in England to close their business with the English FA. They are expected in the Bay Area for a formal introductory press conference December 10.
Bay qualified for the playoffs as an expansion side in 2024 and took the Washington Spirit to the brink before losing late in their quarterfinal match. The 2025 season began with high expectations but also an investigation into Montoya’s coaching style. He was eventually cleared of formal wrongdoing but was given a list of suggestions to improve his communication style.
The club reached .500 (4-4-3) after a win over the Thorns on June 7. That would be Montoya’s last win as Bay FC head coach. The team finished 0-10-5 to match the longest winless skid to end any NWSL season. They struggled on the pitch but also with unforeseen absences.
Goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland abruptly retired during preseason. Center backs Emily Menges and Abby Dahlkemper both announced pregnancies and missed the back end of the season. Asisat Oshoala struggled to produce and was transferred to the Saudi League.
“Bay FC represents an ambitious and forward-thinking project,” Davies said. “I’m thrilled to join Emma’s staff in creating an environment where players and staff can thrive and supporters can be proud of the football we play.”
