Jory Hoffman – Central Coast Friday Night Lights

We are honored to celebrate Jory Hoffman’s life and memory.  Jory passed away at the age of 50 on March 19, 2024, while enjoying one of his beloved pastimes—dirt biking at the top of San Benito Mountain.  Although Jory passed away much too young, he lived life to the fullest as a husband, father, friend, coworker, coach, and athlete.  His impact on youth sports and his community of San Luis Obispo will not be forgotten.

Athletics were a cornerstone of Jory’s life.  Growing up, Jory played football at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, California.  His lifelong friends fondly remember Jory as tough, strong, and fearless.  On the field, he delivered ferocious tackles and anchored the now-legendary double reverse “Knight Rider” play.  Off the field, Jory enjoyed many friendships and maintained a fun, easy-going style.   Despite a major knee injury in high school, Jory walked onto Cal Poly’s football team and started for several seasons.  Jory met his wife, Aimee, at Cal Poly.  They put down roots in the community, raising two amazing children.  After his football days ended, Jory loved golfing, mountain biking, and, of course, dirt biking.

As the proud father of a boy and girl who loved sports, Jory was constantly coaching.  He is remembered for enriching the lives of countless kids that looked up to him for his coaching, leadership, and support.  Coaching flag football was his passion.  His flag football teams regularly excelled in the standings.  Even more importantly, the kids learned to treasure the competition and comradery earned on the football field.

Jory helped bring competitive flag football to the Central Coast.  Since those early years, Central Coast Friday Night Lights has exploded in popularity, running many teams in the Fall and Spring.  From the start, Jory encouraged girls to not only play flag football, but to compete and win against the boys.  Jory loved witnessing the growth and confidence that girls gained through flag football.  Jory remained a strong advocate for advancing girls flag football as a CIF-sanctioned sport. 

Central Coast Friday Night Lights and the community were blessed by Jory’s contributions.  He led by example, not words.  He was a kind, giving, steadfast man—calm in demeanor, strong in character, humble in nature.  He kept it simple, focusing on his main loves of family, friends, and sports.   His character, dedication and contributions remain an inspiration to us all. 

Central Coast Friday Night Lights will honor Coach Jory for the incredible impact he had on all of our lives by placing a custom “Jory Hoffman 49” logo on all FNL jerseys going forward.