US EditionKentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart Retiring, but Taking on New Role at UK
Barnhart led UK Athletics since 2002, winning six NCAA titles and maintaining 27 straight semesters with at least a 3.0 GPA, now transitioning to executive-in-residence.
- On Tuesday, University of Kentucky President Dr. Eli Capilouto announced that athletics director Mitch Barnhart will retire at the end of June and stay as the first executive-in-residence for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative.
- Barnhart has led UK Athletics since 2002, serving nearly a quarter-century and standing as the longest-tenured athletics director among Power Four conference schools in his 24th year.
- During his tenure, Barnhart oversaw UK teams winning six NCAA championships and 63 titles, student‑athletes posting 27 straight semesters ≥ 3.0 GPA, and served on the Settlement Implementation Committee, House v. NCAA overseeing $2.8 billion damages.
- The university will begin a search for a successor soon, while Dr. Eli Capilouto will conduct a listening tour over the next several weeks.
- Section 10 of Barnhart’s contract establishes duties and sets his new salary at $800,000, with a $650,000 retention incentive if he stays through the fiscal year, starting July 1, 2026.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Kentucky’s Mitch Barnhart to retire as athletic director in June and take on new role at university
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Mitch Barnhart, the longest-serving athletic director in the Southeastern Conference, will retire in June and take on a new role with Kentucky, university President Eli Capilouto announced on Tuesday.
Kokomo Tribune
Kentucky's Mitch Barnhart to retire as athletic director in June and take on new role at university
Kentucky’s Mitch Barnhart, the longest-serving athletic director in the Southeastern Conference, will retire in June and take on a new role with the university. Barnhart’s retirement was announced on Tuesday by Kentucky President Eli Capilouto. Barnhart was named Kentucky’s 10th…
Report: Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart to retire after 24 years
Longtime Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart is expected to announce his retirement in the "near future," ESPN reported on Tuesday.Barnhart, 66, has overseen the Wildcats' athletic department since 2002 and is the longest-tenured athletic director in any of the Power Four conferences.In August 2023, Barnhart signed an extension on his contract through 2028. According to reports, his deal includes a clause allowing him to step down in July …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
