Joe Koff, who was the Chief Operating Officer of Ring of Honor while it was owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, has died. He was 73.
He started as the COO for ROH in 2011, taking over for Cary Silkin, who co-founded the promotion in 2004.
Koff had many roles in media through the years.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications, degree from the University of Miami in 1972, and started in sales. By age 25, he was general manager of radio station KRUX in Phoenix, Arizona — the youngest GM in a major market in the US at the time.
“When I got that job, I asked the owner, ‘What do I know about being a general manager?’ He said, ‘You know how to listen, you are very compassionate, and you’ll never make the wrong decision.’ I thought that was pretty lofty, but he believed in me. Because of that, I thought it was my turn to pay it forward and believe in other people,” Koff told Sports Illustrated in 2016.
From there, it was a few more TV and radio stations: WFLX-TV, then WNUV, ABRY Communications, and WXLV/ABC45. He rose to become CEO of Audio Communications Corp. in 1998, and was the COO of Muzak for a year following that.
In 2001, he earned his MBA from the University of Baltimore when he was 50 years old.
Koff joined Sinclair in January 2003, and had many roles there too. When he was tasked with running ROH, he also had a job as Senior Vice President of Training and Development.
He was also a key figure in Sinclair acquiring ROH. A long-time wrestling fan, who had worked with Championship Wrestling from Florida on a TV station that he worked with, Koff knew Gary Juster, who booked venues for ROH. Jim Cornette, working with ROH at the time, helped move the deal along as well.
He was also part of the deal that saw Sinclair divest itself of ROH, selling to Tony Khan and AEW.
“Ring of Honor has produced some of the best professional wrestlers over the past 20 years, but more importantly, it created a family. I will be forever grateful to everyone in the ROH family who has worked tirelessly for the past two decades to take ROH to levels previously unimagined,” said Koff in the press release announcing the deal.
Many people and promotions shared their memories of Koff after learning of his death from cancer on October 15, 2024.
Cody Rhodes: Really great man that I learned a lot from and was always happy/lucky to be in his presence. All love to his family
My friend Joe was fair, honest, direct, and could talk wrestling all day.
He ensured @ringofhonor had a place to go. Doors open during pandemic. Sent out happy birthday & "I saw you on AEW!" texts as recently as Grand Slam ❤️
Thank you, Joe. May peace be to you and your family. pic.twitter.com/grh29UJLPq
— Ian Riccaboni (@IanRiccaboni) October 15, 2024
David Marquez, promoter: I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of former ROH head Joe Koff. I was fortunate enough to create a relationship with him over the years. We had consulted one another many times over concepts and execution. He also helped me post ROH with Sinclair television stations and resources within broadcasting. He was a great wrestling fan and did what he could to be the best promoter/operator possible. My condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Joe Koff. I truly appreciate the opportunities He helped provide me. Rest in peace Joe. https://t.co/FBWp7gGZow
— Brian Milonas (@brianmilonas) October 15, 2024
Jeff Jones: Joe Koff was a very good and fair man. He saved ROH twice, first orchestrating the purchase for Sinclair, and then the 2nd time making sure it didn’t just become content for a network and sold ROH to Tony Khan. We’ll miss you Joe
A kind and good hearted man who genuinely loved professional wrestling so much and gave so many of us an opportunity and platform to do what we love. Forever grateful for you. You gave me the best years of my life working for ROH. We love you Joe. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/WSUqT5jkoq
— Mandy León 👻🔮 (@MandyLeonxo) October 15, 2024
Kevin Eck: Saddened to hear about the death of Joe Koff. Joe gave me an opportunity in ROH after I was let go by WWE. It ended up being the most enjoyable job I had in pro wrestling. Joe was a true gentleman who had a real passion for ROH and the business. R.I.P.
MLW: MLW is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff. On behalf of MLW, the wrestling community, its fans, and talent, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Joe always led with honor, integrity, and a passion for the sport we all cherish. His legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone he inspired. Thank you, Joe, for your contributions and unwavering dedication to wrestling. Rest in peace.
All Elite Wrestling The AEW & Ring of Honor Family, along with the wrestling world mourn the passing of Joe Koff. Our thoughts are with his family and his friends.
TNA Wrestling: We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff. We’re grateful for his contributions to professional wrestling and offer our sincerest condolences to his friends and family.
TOP PHOTO: Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff and New Japan Pro Wrestling President Naoki Sugibayashi in August 2015. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com