Coaching Staff

Larry Cain (Head Football Coach)

Larry Cain has been coaching football for 20 years. He was a standout high school athlete and played college football at a division II level. Now in his fourth year with the Gila River Hawks, Larry continues to bring his passion for the game to the field.
 
Education plays a crucial role in Larry’s coaching philosophy. His main focus is helping his players get a solid start in their academic careers. Larry works hard to ensure that each athlete enjoys a successful collegiate football journey and graduates with a bachelor’s degree.
 
Larry’s coaching style is deeply influenced by the old-school values he learned from mentors like Bill McCartney of Colorado, Tom Osborne of Nebraska, Bob Snyder of Kansas State, and Bobby Bowden of Florida State. The three core values Larry emphasizes with his players are toughness, physicality, and discipline—traits he believes are essential for success both on and off the field.
 

Britt Sanchez (Associate Head Football Coach / Recruiting Coordinator)

This is Coach Sanchez first year with Gila River Football. Coach Sanchez played Defensive Back for George Washington HS in Denver.  Having an opportunity to play for Arena Football in 2001 as a Slot Receiver and Defensive Back. Having played over 14 years Semi-Pro Football between Colorado and Arizona. Who in fact also played under Head Coach Cain for one season in 2016.
 
He coached youth football for Chandler Gilbert Youth Football helping take 2 teams to the National Championships in Orlando, running up one year and National Champions the next.  
 
He then joined the coaching staff at Desert Ridge HS in 1999 as a DB’s Coach until 2021 promoted to the JV Offensive Coordinator and Varsity Running Backs/Wide Receivers Coach.
 
In 2021 he also doubled as the Desert Ridge Recruiting Coordinator helping players get to the next level. Along with the contacts made from the Game Time Senior Bowl and building relationships from College Showcases he is a recruiting force. Assisting recruits to all levels Colleges include; University of Washington, Boise State University, Northern Arizona, Western New Mexico, Jamestown University, Fort Hayes, Augustana University, Ottawa University, and Wartburg College.
 
He has also been involved in the Game Time Senior Bowl Game put on by Rodney Cox Arizona’s premiere college football recruiter. He was added to this Coaching Staff as the Offensive Coordinator with a record of 2-1 in the bowl game history. He is also involved in the Arizona HBCU Camp held at Higley HS bringing in College Coaches to evaluate players from Arizona.
 
Coach Sanchez is from Denver Colorado and is a 21 Year Active Air Force Master Sergeant, serving 9 years as a USAF Firefighter and currently serving in CBRN-HazMat-WMD Defense

Coach Bailey Anderson (Offensive Coordinator)

Coach Anderson is in his second stint as the OC for the Hawks. He comes into the season with 6 years of collegiate coaching experience across the NAIA, DII, and FCS landscape. Throughout his career he has coached every offensive skill position.

He has also spent time as the academic coordinator, equipment coordinator, and camp director while coaching at Taylor University. Coach Anderson’s coaching mission statement is: “To create a world-class experience for our student-athletes, setting them up for a life of impact both on and off the field.”

Seth Lanzel (Offensive Line Coach)

Seth Lanzel is entering his first season as the Offensive Line Coach for the Gila River Hawks. Seth is a former multi-time all-conference offensive lineman in the state of Arizona before accepting a scholarship to play at Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA. Beyond his passion for the sport of football, he also has coached track and field at the high school level, continuing to give back to the community he grew up in.

Alexis Cain (Director of Football / Education Liaison)

Alexis is a dedicated first-grade teacher, a former college cheerleader, and a proud mother of three. As she enters her 17th year as a coach’s wife, she reflects on how little she knew about football at the beginning—only to now be an expert in game days, film sessions, and the highs and lows of the season.

Through years of experience, she’s mastered the art of supporting both her husband’s team and their family, balancing the chaos with grace. Whether in the classroom or on the sidelines, Alexis brings energy, passion, and unwavering dedication to everything she does.