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, March 3, 2026, the university confirmed Mitch Barnhart, University of Kentucky athletics director, will retire, following earlier media reports.
- A six-month notice provision required notification by Dec. 31, 2025, and Barnhart appears to be exercising Section 10 of his contract, which allows him to step down in June 2026.
- Barnhart, who has led UK since 2002, is the longest-tenured active AD among Power Four programs, overseeing six NCAA championships and a $65 million commitment, as his contract extension extends through June 30, 2028.
- Barnhart will remain through the fiscal year ending June 30 with a $650,000 retention incentive and $1.425 million total salary, followed by an $800,000 new salary under Section 10.
- University leaders said the changing college-sports landscape prompted a broader leadership approach, with Barnhart remaining as the first executive-in-residence for UK Sports and Workforce Initiative, which will be part of a workforce effort announced soon.
28 Articles
28 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…
UK athletics director to retire in June before taking on ‘new role’ with $950K salary
Mitch Barnhart will move into a new role at the University of Kentucky following his retirement as athletics director in June. (University of Kentucky photo)University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart is retiring after 24 years in the post but will begin a new role as the first executive-in-residence of the UK Sport and Workforce Initiative later this year. According to a copy of Barnhart’s contract that was amended Monday, Barnhar…
Associated Press News
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.
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