Dave Canales Wife
Meet Dave Canales Wife Lizzy Canales! She is the new WAG of the Carolina Panthers, and her husband, Dave Canales, was appointed Panthers’new head coach in January 2024. Before signing with the Panthers, Canales served as offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under Todd Bowles and for Pete Carroll from 2010 to 2022, serving as Wide receivers coach, Quarterback coach, and ultimately Passing game coordinator.
Lizzy Canales
The beautiful Lizzy Canales was born Elizabeth Ashby Henderson on May 29, 1983, in Seattle, Washington, one of two children born to Bob and Margie Henderson.
Her sister Katie Henderson, now Katie Meleney, is married to Robbie Meleney, and she is the owner and founder of Practical Beauty-Creating Space for Beautiful and Life-giving Dwellings.
Lizzy Canales graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies from Azusa Pacific University, where she also met and started dating Dave Canales.
Lizzy and Dave Canales married since 2006, have four children: Ashby, Benjamin, Beatrice, and Amaya.
Together, they wrote their book “This Marriage?: The Question that Changed Everything.” published in September 2022, tells the ups and downs of their marriage, their faith in God, and so much more.
Dave Canales Parents
David Canales was deeply influenced by his father, Isaac, who became a guiding force in his life, instilling a strong foundation of faith and encouraging him to challenge the boundaries of what seemed possible. In the Canales household, dreaming big was not just encouraged but expected.
Isaac’s journey was remarkable; despite contracting polio as a child, which left him without full use of his right arm, he pursued academics with determination. Raised in a Los Angeles barrio during the 1960s, Isaac eventually made his way to Harvard. Along with his wife, Ritha, he raised three children, teaching them to dream big and work hard. Isaac’s “P.I.E.” (Plan, Implement, Execute) approach was a key lesson for David, helping him turn his visions into reality. He also advised his sons to “marry up”—to find partners who were better looking and smarter—a piece of advice David found valuable.
The Canales family’s story is one of perseverance and the pursuit of the American Dream. David’s grandparents, Lupe and Miguel, came to the United States as children, meeting through their church and gaining citizenship through Miguel’s service in the Army. Their resilience and resourcefulness left a lasting impression on David. He recalls how his grandfather once fixed a fan belt using his grandmother’s pantyhose, a lesson in making the most of what you have—something David applies in his coaching.
Faith played a central role in the Canales family. David’s grandparents founded Carson’s Mission Ebenezer Family Church in 1959, and today, his brother Josh serves as its senior pastor. For David, faith is the foundation of his life. While God didn’t call him to the altar, David believes his calling is in professional sports. He sees the football field as his sanctuary, where he can influence others for Christ through his pursuit of excellence in coaching.
David also learned from his grandparents the importance of meeting the basic needs of those around him, a principle he applies in his work. This belief guides how he and his wife, Lizzy, contribute to their community, particularly in their roles with the Buccaneers.
Dave Canales Education
David Canales was born on May 7, 1981, in Harbor City, California. He attended Carson High School in Carson, California, where he played as a wide receiver and defensive back. After high school, Canales continued his football career at Azusa Pacific University, then a NAIA program located in Azusa, California. During his college career, he recorded 27 receptions for 293 yards and one touchdown. Canales graduated in 2002 with a degree in business administration.
Coaching Career
Carson High School
Canales began his coaching career at his alma mater, Carson High School, where he served as the head coach and offensive coordinator of the freshman/sophomore team from 2004 to 2005.
El Camino College
In 2006, Canales transitioned to college coaching by joining El Camino College in California. His first role was as the tight ends coach and special teams coordinator. Later, he became the quarterbacks coach during his final seasons with the team (2007-08).
During his time at El Camino, the team won the California Community College State Championship in 2006 and secured two Mission Conference titles.
USC
While at El Camino, Canales developed a connection with Pete Carroll, the head coach of the USC Trojans. This relationship led to Canales joining Carroll at USC in 2009 as an assistant strength coach for one season.
Seattle Seahawks
When Pete Carroll was appointed head coach of the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, Canales followed him to the NFL. During his 13-year tenure with the Seahawks, Canales took on various roles on the offensive staff. From 2010 to 2017, he served as the wide receivers coach, working with players like Golden Tate, Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, and Tyler Lockett. Later, he transitioned to quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator from 2018 through 2022.
Canales played a significant role in the resurgence of quarterback Geno Smith’s career, which led to Smith being named NFL Comeback Player of the Year and earning his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2022. Canales also won his first Super Bowl when the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On February 16, 2023, Canales was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under head coach Todd Bowles, replacing Byron Leftwich.
Carolina Panthers
On January 25, 2024, Canales was appointed the Carolina Panthers’ head coach.
