following his playing career, lanier managed in the minors and served as third base coach for the st. louis cardinals from 1981–85, including the 1982 world series and national league champion teams. he then went on to manage the houston astros from 1986–88 and had a 254-232 win-loss record. in 1986, he was named nl manager of the year by the bbwa and "tsn" for leading the astros to their first division title since 1980 and the best record (96-66) in team history up to that point. a power struggle between lanier and astros' general manager dick wagner in 1987 eventually led to wagner leaving the team.