in recent years, lanier has managed in the independent minor leagues. he managed for the winnipeg goldeyes in the northern league for several years, then moved to the can-am league to manage the sussex skyhawks. while with the skyhawks, lanier led the team to the league championship in 2008 over the quebec capitales in the can-am league championship series. he left the skyhawks following the 2009 season to become manager of the normal cornbelters.