US EditionKentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart Retiring, but Taking on New Role at UK
Mitch Barnhart led UK Athletics since 2002, winning six national titles and maintaining a 3.0 GPA for 27 semesters; he will become executive-in-residence for UK Sport Initiative.
- On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the university confirmed that Mitch Barnhart, University of Kentucky athletics director, will retire, following media reports this week.
- A six-month notice provision required notification by Dec. 31, 2025, and recent contract amendment signed Aug. 23, 2023, extended Barnhart's term through June 30, 2028.
- Barnhart, who led UK since 2002, oversaw six NCAA championships and a $65 million commitment toward the $108 million Don and Cathy Jacobs Science Building.
- Barnhart will remain in June to aid transition, receiving a $650,000 retention incentive and a new $800,000 salary, Capilouto said.
- University leaders said the changing college-sports landscape prompted a broader leadership approach, and Barnhart will remain at UK as the first executive-in-residence for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative, which Capilouto said will be part of a workforce effort announced in the coming weeks.
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18 Articles
Colleges Are Crying Poor, But Kentucky Paying Outgoing AD Mitch Barnhart $950K A Year To Consult Is Laughable
If Kentucky decides to come out over the next few months and complain about the current structure of revenue in college athletics, I would hope folks reference the amended contract for outgoing athletic director Mitch Barnhart. On Tuesday, after 23 years as AD, Barnhart announced that he was retiring from his position at Kentucky, ready for the next chapter in his life. There will certainly be folks who looked at the last five years or so of his…
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 …
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