Isaac and Ritha Canales are the devoted parents of Dave Canales, who are committed to carrying on the family tradition of overseeing the church established by Dave’s grandfather many years ago. In this post, we will delve deeper into the family history of the coach, discovering more about his parents and siblings. Dave Canales, an American football coach, currently serves as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFL franchise.
Formerly a football player, Dave, an alumnus of Carson High School, pursued his education at Azusa Pacific University before transitioning into a coaching role. His coaching journey commenced as the head coach and offensive coordinator at his alma mater, Carson High School, from 2004 to 2005. He further honed his coaching skills at El Camino College and USC, playing a pivotal role in guiding athletes to new heights. This eventually led to his advancement to the NFL, where he worked as an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Dave officially joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on February 16, 2023, after a decade of service in Seattle.
Discovering Dave Canales’ Parents: Isaac and Ritha
Dave Canales was born on May 7, 1981, as the third child of Isaac and Ritha Canales. Dave’s parents played a crucial role in shaping his beliefs and religious inclinations, ultimately steering him in the right direction. Despite facing adversity, Isaac overcame challenges such as developing polio at a young age and nearly succumbing to death, which left his right arm with limited functionality. Despite growing up in the toughest neighborhood in Los Angeles, he ultimately pursued education at Harvard.
Post-graduation, Isaac returned home to lead the Misson Ebenezer Family Church, established by Dave’s grandparents, Rev. Miguel and Lupe Canales, in 1959. After serving as a senior pastor for nearly four decades, he retired, and his brother, Josh, assumed leadership. Additionally, Dave’s mother, Ritha, holds the role of assistant pastor and is involved in the church’s human resources department. Their unwavering commitment to God’s values is evident in their devout adherence to their beliefs, and they frequently extol the magnificence of the Lord.
A Glimpse into His Siblings: Josh and Coba
Dave Canales, a native of Harbor City, California, was raised alongside his elder brother, Josh, and younger brother, Coba. It is noteworthy that all three siblings have a background in athletics. Josh, Dave’s elder brother, formerly played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins.
Despite being selected in the 2001 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, he did not debut in the major leagues. Instead, he succeeded his father as the head pastor upon his retirement in April 2019. Personally, he is happily married to his Nigerian-American wife, Bunmi, and together they are devoted parents to three children: Elisha, Judah, and Adelola. They first crossed paths at UCLA’s sports training facility, where she was engaged in track and field.
Similarly, Dave’s younger brother, Coba, is a former NCAA football and baseball player. He initially committed to the University of Pennsylvania before transferring to Azusa Pacific University. With a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and a doctorate in education, he currently serves as the Dean of Students at his alma mater, Azusa Pacific University.
