Dave Canales Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova

Dave Canales’ family has played an important role in his journey to becoming an NFL head coach. The Carolina Panthers coach is married to Elizabeth “Lizzy” Canales, and the couple has four children: Ashby, Benjamin, Beatrice and Amaya. His parents are Isaac Canales and Ritha Canales, and he has two brothers, Josh Canales and Coba Canales.

Born on May 7, 1981, in Harbor City, California, Dave Canales grew up in Carson, where his family was deeply involved in education, community service and church leadership. His upbringing helped shape his communication skills, leadership philosophy and approach to professional football.

After playing college football at Azusa Pacific University, Canales began his coaching career and eventually became the head coach of the Carolina Panthers in January 2024.

Here is everything publicly known about Dave Canales’ wife, girlfriend, children, parents, brothers and sisters.

Who Is Dave Canales’ Wife?

Dave Canales’ wife is Elizabeth “Lizzy” Canales, formerly Elizabeth Henderson. The couple met while attending Azusa Pacific University in California and married in 2006.

Lizzy has supported her husband’s football career through numerous coaching positions, including his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers.

She is also an author, speaker, fitness enthusiast and former educator who has worked in health and fitness.

According to information published with the couple’s book, Lizzy has a master’s degree in secondary health education and has worked as a CrossFit instructor.

She has spoken publicly about marriage, family life, personal growth and the importance of communication in relationships.

As of now, Dave and Lizzy Canales remain married and are raising their four children while maintaining close connections with their extended families.

How Did Dave Canales and Lizzy Meet?

Dave Canales and Lizzy Henderson met at Azusa Pacific University, where Dave played college football.

According to a 2023 feature published by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their romantic relationship began while they were college students.

At one point, Lizzy spent a semester studying abroad in Bolivia, where she worked with a nonprofit organization as part of her global studies coursework.

During that period, Dave contacted her by email and expressed interest in taking her on a date when she returned.

Their communication developed into a romantic relationship, and the two eventually decided to build a future together.

Azusa Pacific University has also reported that the couple became acquainted through a Bible study group on campus.

When Did Dave Canales Get Married?

Dave Canales married Lizzy Canales in 2006.

Their marriage began during the early stages of Dave’s football coaching career, when he was working to establish himself professionally.

Over the following years, the couple experienced numerous career transitions as Dave pursued opportunities in college and professional football.

Lizzy remained an important source of personal support throughout those moves.

The couple have also spoken publicly about overcoming difficulties in their marriage and the importance of rebuilding trust.

Dave and Lizzy Canales’ Marriage Book

In September 2022, Dave and Lizzy Canales published a book titled This Marriage? The Question That Changed Everything.

The book discusses their marriage, personal challenges and the role of faith, counseling and communication in strengthening their relationship.

According to reporting by the Associated Press, Dave acknowledged past infidelity, problematic alcohol use and struggles involving pornography. The couple described how they worked to rebuild their relationship.

They chose to share these experiences publicly because they hoped their story could encourage other couples experiencing marital difficulties.

The book includes a foreword by former NFL coach Tony Dungy.

Their decision to discuss these challenges demonstrates how their marriage has influenced their personal lives and willingness to support other families.

How Many Children Does Dave Canales Have?

Dave Canales has four children with his wife Lizzy: Ashby, Benjamin, Beatrice and Amaya Canales.

Their family includes three daughters and one son.

The children’s names have been confirmed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Assemblies of God News and other established sports publications.

Although Canales occasionally discusses his children during interviews, he generally maintains privacy regarding their personal lives and daily activities.

Ashby Canales – Dave Canales’ Daughter

Ashby Canales is one of Dave and Lizzy Canales’ three daughters.

She is among the couple’s older children and has experienced much of her childhood while her father worked in professional football.

Her name appeared in an April 2014 feature published by Azusa Pacific University, which identified Ashby and Benjamin as the couple’s two children at that time.

As her father’s coaching career progressed, the family relocated to different cities before settling in Charlotte following his appointment as Panthers head coach.

In September 2026, Dave mentioned having a daughter in her junior year of high school while discussing opportunities for girls in flag football.

Benjamin Canales – Dave Canales’ Son

Benjamin Canales, also known as Ben, is Dave Canales’ only publicly documented son.

Benjamin was also identified in Azusa Pacific University’s 2014 interview about Dave’s coaching career.

He has grown up around professional football organizations and has occasionally appeared with his family at public sporting events.

Although his father is a prominent NFL coach, detailed information about Benjamin’s personal interests and education has generally remained private.

Beatrice Canales – Dave Canales’ Daughter

Beatrice Canales, sometimes called Bea, is another daughter of Dave and Lizzy Canales.

Her name is included in official family information published by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Like her siblings, Beatrice has grown up in a household closely connected to professional sports.

However, her parents have not publicly disclosed extensive information about her personal life, school or individual interests.

Amaya Canales – Dave Canales’ Daughter

Amaya Canales is Dave and Lizzy Canales’ third daughter.

Her name has been confirmed in public reporting about the couple’s four children.

She has occasionally appeared alongside her parents and siblings at public sporting events.

In September 2026, Dave discussed his younger daughters while expressing enthusiasm about the expansion of girls’ high school flag football in North Carolina.

He explained that having daughters made the growth of opportunities for female athletes especially meaningful to him.

Who Are Dave Canales’ Parents?

Dave Canales’ parents are Isaac Canales and Ritha Canales. Both have extensive backgrounds in religious ministry and community leadership.

The couple raised Dave and his two brothers in Carson, California, where the family was involved in Mission Ebenezer Family Church.

Their influence helped shape Dave’s communication style, leadership principles and emphasis on personal relationships.

Dave Canales’ Father: Isaac Canales

Isaac Canales is Dave Canales’ father and a longtime Christian minister, educator and former lead pastor of Mission Ebenezer Family Church in Carson, California.

Isaac grew up in Los Angeles in a Mexican-American family.

During his childhood, he contracted polio, which permanently affected the use of his right arm.

Although the condition limited his participation in athletics, Isaac pursued education and religious studies.

He eventually attended Harvard and became involved in church leadership.

Isaac succeeded his father, Miguel Canales, as a leader of Mission Ebenezer Family Church.

According to Assemblies of God News, Isaac served as a pastor at the church for more than four decades before retiring in 2019.

He later served as chancellor of the Latin American Bible Institute College in La Puente, California.

Isaac’s public speaking experience also influenced his son’s leadership style.

In an interview with The Charlotte Observer, Dave recalled watching his father address large audiences at Christian men’s conferences, including events attended by tens of thousands of people.

Those experiences helped him understand the importance of speaking confidently and connecting with an audience.

Dave has also credited his father with encouraging him and his brothers to develop ambitious goals while maintaining a strong work ethic.

Dave Canales’ Mother: Ritha Canales

Ritha Canales is Dave Canales’ mother and a Christian minister involved in Mission Ebenezer Family Church.

She comes from a family with a long history of religious ministry and missionary work.

According to Assemblies of God News, the Brubaker and Wagner families on her side have participated in church leadership and international missionary activities for generations.

Ritha has served as an assistant pastor and helped oversee the church’s women’s ministry and welcome team.

Earlier in her life, she also worked as a nurse.

A Sports Illustrated profile published in January 2024 described how Ritha supported the family while Isaac continued his education and ministerial responsibilities.

Alongside her husband, she raised three sons who developed careers in sports, education and ministry.

Her influence contributed to Dave’s emphasis on serving others and supporting the people around him.

Who Are Dave Canales’ Siblings?

Dave Canales has two brothers: Josh Canales and Coba Canales.

Dave is the middle child of Isaac and Ritha Canales.

His older brother Josh became a pastor after pursuing professional baseball, while his younger brother Coba developed a career in education and ministry.

Josh Canales – Dave Canales’ Older Brother

Joshua “Josh” Brubaker Canales is Dave Canales’ older brother.

Josh is a pastor and former professional baseball player who leads Mission Ebenezer Family Church in Carson, California.

Before entering full-time ministry, Josh was an accomplished athlete.

He played college baseball at the University of Florida and later participated in professional baseball through organizations affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros.

According to Assemblies of God News, Josh spent approximately three years playing minor league baseball before deciding to pursue religious ministry in 2003.

He eventually succeeded his father as the church’s lead pastor.

Josh has also been involved in community leadership and initiatives promoting reconciliation and understanding among different groups.

He and Dave maintain a close relationship.

In a Carolina Panthers feature about Dave’s coaching journey, Josh recalled how his brother discussed his ambition to become a successful football coach.

Josh encouraged him to pursue that goal and recognized the determination that eventually helped him reach the NFL.

Coba Canales – Dave Canales’ Younger Brother

Coba Canales is Dave Canales’ younger brother.

Like his brothers, Coba developed an interest in athletics and attended Azusa Pacific University.

According to the university, he played both football and baseball and served as a team captain in both programs.

After completing his education, Coba pursued a professional career in higher education and ministry.

He has served as dean of students at Azusa Pacific University.

He has also participated in the preaching and teaching ministry at Mission Ebenezer Family Church.

His career reflects the family’s longstanding involvement in education, sports and religious service.

Does Dave Canales Have a Sister?

No. Dave Canales does not have any publicly documented sisters.

Reliable family profiles consistently identify him as one of three sons born to Isaac and Ritha Canales.

His two brothers are Josh and Coba Canales.

Dave Canales’ Grandparents and Family Heritage

Dave Canales’ family history extends beyond his parents and siblings.

His paternal grandparents, Miguel Canales and Lupe Canales, immigrated from Mexico to California when they were young.

They later met through church activities and built a family in Southern California.

Miguel Canales served in the United States Army during World War II, an experience that contributed to his path toward American citizenship.

After the war, Miguel and Lupe dedicated themselves to religious and community service.

In 1959, they founded Mission Ebenezer Family Church in Carson, California.

The church became an important institution for the surrounding community and later grew under the leadership of their son Isaac.

Dave has frequently discussed the influence of his grandparents’ experiences as immigrants and his family’s Mexican-American heritage.

He credits their determination, willingness to work hard and commitment to serving others as important influences on his own life.

Dave Canales’ Childhood and Family Background

Dave Canales grew up in Carson, California, surrounded by a family strongly connected to religious ministry, education and athletics.

He attended Carson High School, where he played multiple sports, including football, baseball and track and field.

His athletic ability eventually earned him an opportunity to play college football at Azusa Pacific University.

At Azusa Pacific, Canales played wide receiver and developed the leadership skills that later became important in his coaching career.

After graduating in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in business, he began pursuing coaching opportunities.

He worked at Carson High School and El Camino College before joining the University of Southern California’s football staff in 2009.

In 2010, Canales joined the Seattle Seahawks, beginning a lengthy NFL coaching career.

After working in Seattle for 13 seasons, he became the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator in 2023.

His success in Tampa Bay helped him secure the Carolina Panthers head coaching position in January 2024.

Throughout this journey, his wife, children, parents and brothers have remained important influences on his personal and professional development.

How Has Dave Canales’ Family Influenced His Coaching Career?

Dave Canales has frequently described his family as a major source of encouragement throughout his coaching journey.

His father taught him to approach challenges with confidence and determination, while his mother emphasized the importance of caring for others.

His brothers provided examples of leadership through athletics, education and community service.

His wife Lizzy also played a direct role in his decision to pursue professional football coaching.

According to a Carolina Panthers feature published in 2024, Lizzy encouraged Dave to believe that his coaching abilities could take him beyond the high school and college levels.

Her encouragement contributed to his decision to pursue opportunities at the highest level of football.

Canales has also spoken about the importance of spending meaningful time with his four children despite the demanding responsibilities of NFL coaching.

In September 2026, he described how fatherhood influenced his appreciation for new opportunities in girls’ sports.

For Canales, professional success and personal relationships are closely connected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dave Canales’ Family

Who is Dave Canales’ wife?

Dave Canales’ wife is Elizabeth “Lizzy” Canales, formerly Elizabeth Henderson. They met at Azusa Pacific University and married in 2006.

Does Dave Canales have a girlfriend?

Dave Canales is married to his longtime partner Lizzy Canales. He is not publicly known to have a separate girlfriend.

How many children does Dave Canales have?

Dave Canales has four children with his wife Lizzy: Ashby, Benjamin, Beatrice and Amaya Canales.

Does Dave Canales have a son?

Yes. Dave Canales has one son named Benjamin Canales.

How many daughters does Dave Canales have?

Dave Canales has three daughters: Ashby, Beatrice and Amaya Canales.

Who is Dave Canales’ father?

His father is Isaac Canales, a longtime Christian minister and former lead pastor of Mission Ebenezer Family Church in Carson, California.

Who is Dave Canales’ mother?

His mother is Ritha Canales, a minister and former nurse who has participated in church leadership and women’s ministry.

Who are Dave Canales’ brothers?

Dave Canales has two brothers: Josh Canales, a pastor and former professional baseball player, and Coba Canales, an educator and minister.

Does Dave Canales have sisters?

No sisters have been identified in reliable family records. Dave is the middle child of three brothers.

How old is Dave Canales?

Dave Canales was born on May 7, 1981. He is 45 years old.

What is Dave Canales’ family background?

Dave Canales comes from a Mexican-American family with a long tradition of religious ministry, education and community service. His grandparents Miguel and Lupe Canales founded Mission Ebenezer Family Church in 1959.

Where does Dave Canales live with his family?

Dave Canales and his family relocated to the Charlotte, North Carolina, area after he became head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2024.